Evelyn received a reply. She was looking at her phone when Lucas pushed the door open. He had just finished showering. She walked in and noticed his suit jacket had fallen onto the floor. Instinctively, Evelyn went over to pick it up.

Their conversation was interrupted. Lucas pursed his lips before placing the suit jacket down. “When will you…”

“You can get it deep first,” Lucas cut Evelyn off, looking at his watch. He didn’t care what Evelyn had to say and quickly stepped out of the room. She hadn’t expected him to react so abruptly. She had completely missed the chance to discuss the matter with him.

Autor, who had prompted him to act so impatiently, was the only person she could think of besides Titang. Evelyn’s phone vibrated at the same moment. It was a voice message from Solustim:

“Came with me to a dinner banquet in two days! All the important figures in the fur industry are going to be there. It’d be good to build more connections.”

Evelyn murmured, “Okay.” Then she took out the laundry she’d left in the closet before heading back to bed.

The next day, when Maria discovered that Lucas had left for the night, she was absolutely enraged. Evelyn had calmed down before leaving for Flying Seal Group. She had familiarized herself with the company's cases by reading the necessary documents. She even created a detailed list of regulation guidelines and handed them over to a core team member of the technical department, Charles Cook.

When he heard that Evelyn had spent three days reading that huge pile of documents, even going so far as to hand him an impressive folder of technical guidelines, his jaw dropped. “Did she really do this all by herself?” Charles couldn’t believe it.

Sebastian flashed a profound smile. “That’s nothing compared to just how popular she was a few years ago. Do you know how many offers were made to her domestically and abroad? I wouldn’t dream of measuring up to her, even if I worked for another lifetime.”

Charles was doubtful and ultimately couldn’t entirely believe his words. “Mr. Hill, you must be joking. You’re part of the top echelon domestically. If you can’t compare, what does that say about…”

Sebastian smiled but didn’t answer. A million-dollar talent; his dad wouldn’t have been so furious about her resigning to get married. It was such a shame. Only a fool couldn’t discern something precious when it was right before his eyes.

The dress code for the dinner banquet was formal, but Evelyn didn’t have a custom-fitted dress. She had spent three years of her life revolving around Lucas. As it was also a secret marriage, she hadn’t acquired dresses for formal occasions. The only suitable dress she owned was a birthday gift from Maila the year before. It was a dark teal fishtail gown. When Maria gifted Evelyn this dress, she also gave Lucas a suit. The cufflinks were emerald, which matched the color of her dress. (She had the opportunity to wear it, and Lucas had never worn his.)

Evelyn was slightly pale without any makeup. Thus, she put on some blush to obscure any blemishes and put on the dress before heading to the venue.

When he spotted Evelyn, Sebastian couldn’t hide his awe and appreciation. “You look great. Lalinoost couldn’t recognize you.”

Evelyn said, “Teebastian, you’re looking…”

“Ampute with eyes could see that,” Gelastian fired back. “Do your best to impress today. This place is filled with influential people, so if you can network with them, you’d be laying down…”

Evelyn placed a hand on his arm. “Glorla.”

“Dew just lamanpattant the dineilungiri was.” Even though she had reached and developed a tibia, she was currently representing Flying Seal Group.

In this circle, Sebastian was currently in the limelight. Moses, his father, was Graham, the academician of the search fund. No one would dare to cross Sebastian.

Once Sebastian was done exchanging greetings with several people, he began introducing Evelyn. “This is Evelyn Bed, the technical expert Flying Seal recently recruited.” Everyone looked at Evelyn with admiration, but they were subtly sizing her up.

There was a limited quota for participants in tonight’s banquet, and those invited were the cream of the crop in the county. In their eyes, it felt almost tasteless of Sebastian to be introducing…

To think he was willing to give such…

Besides, they had…

…to elevate his own company, tailing their professional field. After greeting her, they turned to Sebastian to chat about the technologically…

…dominated field and subfield; women were comparatively less valued. In such a world, they would always be faced with prejudice.

Tychem had expected such an outcome and remained relatively calm. She listened to their conversation coolly. Sebastián also had someone important to introduce to Evelyn. "See that man in the gray suit? He’s an important government official and a key figure to connect with tonight; it’s crucial..."

"...to have a conversation on policy trends, so be sure to leave him with a good impression.” It cheated that someone of such importance was here. It highlighted how important tonight’s banquet was. Sebastian led her over to him.

The government official saw Sebastian; he greeted him with a smile. “It’s been a while since I saw you,”

Before Sebastian could introduce Evelyn, commotion could be heard from the entrance. Evelyn turned to take a look.

Tiffany entered confidently with her arm linked with Lucas’. She greeted those around them gracefully.

Mr. Hill…

The bigwigs who had just been socializing with ease were delighted by Lucas’ arrival. They all made their way over to him. Evelyn couldn’t help but pay attention to their interaction.

Tiffany wore a dress with a shade of green similar to Evelyn’s. The neckline was encrusted with diamond fragments of various sizes, which glittered under the lights. As for Lucas, the pocket square he wore with his suit had a texture and color that matched Tiffany’s formal dress—a secret display of affection. Lucas had never once worn a suit that matched Evelyn’s dress.

Evelyn curled her lips in derision, and her vision started to blur. Should she laugh at how she’d been treated like a joke for the past three years, or should she laugh about how she just wasn’t worth it to him?

Sebastian glanced at Evelyn. While she didn’t show any outward reaction, he still felt upset. He quickly realized that Lucas was leading Tiffany in their direction. Sebastian frowned. He knew what he was planning to do.

Lucas had seen Evelyn when he came in. Noticing the dress she was wearing, he paused slightly. Evelyn also noticed the look in his eyes. They were wearing matching attire, and it seemed as if she was inserting herself between them.

Tiffany also caught a glimpse of Evelyn. However, her gaze just flitted between Sebastian and the government official.

Lucas greeted the two men. “Hello, Mr. Stewart, Mr. Hill.”

The government official, Donald Stewart, asked, “And who is this next to you, Mr. Graham?”

Lucas gave a faint nod. “This is Tiffany Moore, who specializes in aerospace research. She has just returned from completing her PhD abroad. She is an exceptional talent.” While recommending Tiffany, he didn’t spare Evelyn a second glance, nor did he intend to greet her… He acted as if she was a complete stranger, intentionally or otherwise distancing himself from her.

Donald was astonished. “At such a young age?”

Tiffany accepted his compliment modestly. “Thank you, Mr. Stewart.”

Donald’s interest was piqued, and he said, “Why don’t we take a seat elsewhere to chat? I’m interested to hear about your work.”

With Lucas advocating strongly for her, no one would dare make light of Tiffany. It was to the point that Donald thought anyone Lucas thought of highly was bound to be excellent.

Donald was in a good mood and said to Sebastian, “We’ll talk later.” While Sebastian responded positively, his expression darkened slightly once Donald had left.

What was the meaning of this? Was Lucas actively trying to rob them of opportunities? He was about to introduce Evelyn, and this was a crucial opportunity for her to stage a comeback. Lucas and…

…Lean and Tiffany making…

…a high-profile entrance was practically stealing a march on…

…su. 18il, you know that elite talent is scarce. My previous suggestion is still valid. Why don’t you consider taking Tay K’s… disappoint you.” Lucas remained composed. Tilly glanced at the silent Evelyn and said, “Mr. Chai, I’ll surely produce the best possible results.”

Sebastian had never expected Lucas to favor Tiffany this much. And right in front of Evelyn. He suddenly understood just how difficult Evelyn’s circumstances were. However, they were in a public gathering; she maintained composure. “Of course. I will carefully consider someone as talented as Ms. Moore.”

Of course, these were just empty words. There was always a need to keep up with appearances in the…

…small space between the dresses. He calmly shifted his gaze or looked casually…

…away. And he was saying that it was quite impressive to have such a brilliant mind like Sebastian listen to her every word. Evelyn downed a glass of champagne, calmly left with Tiffany. They were quickly surrounded by many people.

It was unlike Claris’ disclaimer for Perlyn… but just like that, Sebastian and Evelyn’s plan was disrupted. With Lucas’ help, everyone would have a close notion of Tiffany, but… no matter how excellent Evelyn was, no one would…

…abuse such a golden opportunity at such an important banquet? In Evelyn’s opinion, her grievances against Lucas and Tiffany had caused Sebastian’s work to come to nothing. It would have been beneficial to Flying Seal Group. However, Lucas did not give her that chance.

"Meeting Mr. Stewart, you'll have a chance to talk to him. There are also many opportunities to connect with others.” The staff members informed Earl m. Timsony, Ms. Reed, but there has been a change of VIP members. Your seating has been…

…moved to the main table that was originally allocated to her.