Chapter 4

Evelyn froze. Then, with pale, pursed lips, she clarified, "Is that what Lucas wants?"

"Yes."

Michael disliked Evelyn. While diligent and focused, her methods—sleeping with Lucas and forcing marriage—were despicable. Women like her were utterly repulsive.

"Mr. Grant has instructed that you remain here until the public opinion subsides. Failure to comply will result in your dismissal. Bluezen does not retain unproductive employees."

Evelyn knew Lucas didn't love her, but she never anticipated this maneuver before their divorce. How could he ask his wife to manage the fallout from his affair when the rumors were true? Anger surged, intensifying the pain in her stomach. Using the table for support, she mockingly examined her name tag.

She detached her name tag and lanyard. "I understand Bluezen doesn't keep useless employees, but I cannot handle this. I resign," she stated impassively, placing the name tag aside. She had submitted her resignation letter the previous night, along with the divorce agreement. The process was complex; her letter might not have reached Lucas. Regardless, she refused to work on Tiffany's case.

"Don't involve me in anything related to Tiffany. Mr. Grant can assign someone else. Given Bluezen's size, suitable replacements are readily available."

Michael was stunned. Resignation? Giving up proximity to Lucas? Or another manipulative tactic? A strategic retreat? He pondered these possibilities as he ascended to the top floor.

Lucas's schedule was demanding; he was preparing for a meeting with Landon Davis, president of Woodlands Technology.

"Mr. Grant, here's the draft contract for Woodlands Technology."

Lucas skimmed the document. "How's PR handling Tiffany's case?"

Michael hesitated, stammering, "Ms. Reed…"

"Just tell me."

"Ms. Reed refuses the case. She submitted her resignation and requests no further involvement with Ms. Moore."

Lucas paused, his gaze icy. "Did she come to the company to resign today?"

"Ms. Reed was on leave, but I summoned her. HR confirms she submitted her resignation yesterday."

"She took leave?" Lucas's focus wasn't her resignation, but her leave.

Michael, unsure of Lucas's thoughts, replied hesitantly, "She must have pressing matters. Ms. Reed hasn't taken a day off in three years."

Lucas knew this. Evelyn, though cold and distant, was dedicated and respectful. Her rapid promotion to head of PR demonstrated her competence. What prompted this leave and resignation? It was uncharacteristic.

Lucas's gaze fell, his expression turning frigid before he stood abruptly. "Approve her resignation, but she handles Tiffany's case first. If Tiffany's reputation suffers further damage, Ms. Reed faces the consequences."

Michael was bewildered. Lucas always wanted Evelyn gone; why this change?

"Oh, Ms. Reed also sent me a copy of…"

Lucas, answering a call, waved dismissively. "Handle it as usual." This meant ignoring Evelyn's correspondence. She'd previously sent clothes, cufflinks, and handmade gifts—even a drone model, given Bluezen's drone project. Lucas disregarded them, storing them in a seldom-used cabinet.

Michael, as always, tossed the unopened document into the cabinet. Evelyn's efforts were wasted.