Evelyn was ready to send the proposal to Graham by next week. But before that, Sebastian suggested they meet with Donald Steward. If their project received government backing, its impact over the next three years would be even greater.

The next day, Evelyn and Sebastian headed to Donald’s office to meet him. Waiting, Donald’s secretary, Sidney Tanner, shared some information with them. He told them Lucas had brought Tiffany there to see Donald the day before. Evelyn faltered but quickly regained her composure.

Lucas valued Tiffany, and he was a man of action. Naturally, he wouldn’t pass up the chance to boost her credentials. Sidney added, “Mr. Steward doesn’t really buy Ms. Moore’s ideas. That said, Mr. Steward hasn’t made a decision yet. You two still have a shot.”

Donald had always had a good impression of Evelyn. Knowing her true background only made him take her more seriously. The discussion lasted two hours. Donald didn’t give an immediate answer, but Sebastian wasn’t worried. “Based on my experience, we’re in a good position,” he said. Evelyn hoped so too.

The next day, she sent Graham a brief message. She had avoided reaching out for a long time out of guilt. But now that she was closer to joining the Aerospace Research Institute and realizing her dream again, she wanted to at least apologize for not following through on his initial offer. There was no response. He was probably still mad at her, and she understood. His disappointment didn’t just happen overnight (in a loveless marriage, she knew that better than anyone).

Later that day, on her way to a client meeting, she ran into Lucas. He had just arrived at the venue and was being escorted inside. For once, Tiffany wasn’t with him. That was new. Lucas noticed her too. His gaze was intense—deep and shadowed. Evelyn hesitated slightly. Something about the way he was looking at her felt wrong. Normally, he ignored her completely. She acknowledged him and walked straight into the building. Even if she greeted him, he wouldn’t respond. She wasn’t interested in embarrassing herself.

When she got back to Flying Seat Group, she finally received news from Sebastian. Donald had made his decision. He believed their three-year project was stable and agreed to create a simulated government-backed initiative.

Evelyn let out a quiet breath, a slight smile tugging at her lips. Then, Sebastian smirked, “Oh, and one more thing.” “Tiffany was rejected by Donald.”

Moments later, she found out Lucas had taken Tiffany to see him; they had become competitors. Flying Seal Group won, which meant Tiffany lost. But still, Evelyn’s smile twitched slightly. She suddenly recalled the way Lucas had looked at her earlier. She had already known. That explained the meaningful glance. Did he think she had stolen this opportunity from Tiffany?

“What’s on your mind?” Sebastian asked, noticing her slight distraction. Evelyn blinked and shook her head. “Nothing. I’ll send you the revised meeting notes.”

That evening, the unsettling feeling remained. Her head ached, and when she touched her forehead, she felt a slight fever. She took some medicine and decided to rest; then her phone rang. It was a call from an unfamiliar number. She asked before answering, “Who’s this?”

“This is Flagon Realty calling. We have a potential buyer interested in viewing your property. Would you be available for a showing today?”

Evelyn frowned. “I’m not selling my house. You must have the wrong person.” She hung up and thought it was probably a scam call. She brushed it off and went back to work.

Thirty minutes later, her phone rang again. This time, the caller ID made her pause. It was Lucas. He rarely called her. And when he did, it was always to tell her to do something—not to ask. She didn’t like that dynamic…

Pressing her lips together, she answered. His voice was calm and emotionless. “Do you have time to talk?” Evelyn replied flatly, “No.” There was a slight pause as if he hadn’t expected her to refuse. Then, in a steady tone, he said, “Alright.” Without another word, he hung up. There was no follow-up and no attempt to continue the conversation.

Evelyn frowned slightly. Something felt off. But with so much work on her plate, she didn’t dwell on it.