"I can not refute that. But boss, higher risk brings higher return," Jason said, then softened his tone. "And honestly, Eve, it's good, It's smart. We don't just want money. We want to build something that lasts, something that puts your name where it belongs."
Evelyn looked out the window, her expression unreadable again but quieter this time.
Jason glanced at her before adding gently, "And before you say it, no, I didn't drag you here just for business. You have been drowning back there. I figured it's time someone reminded you that you built your own empire long before you stepped into his."
Evelyn smiled faintly and finally looked at him. "But the world should never know of it, Jason. For the world, this empire belongs to you."
He winked. "Then I can continue to miss those morning meetings, Evelyn."
The car turned into the private lane toward the investment firm's sleek office building, the city's chaos dimming behind them.
"Stop here." Jason hesitated. But he knew Eve would be angry if he did not relent.
"You would come to the office right?" though they were just a few buildings away, he could not help but ask in a worried voice.
Eve looked at his concerned look and sighed.
"Yes, I would." Finally, he nodded and stopped the car. Eve had already taken a mask from her bag. She covered her face and left. Jason started the car and went to the JEE Tower. It was a large building. Its fifteenth floor belongs to the new investment company that was built three years ago.
Since then it was thriving and had made a strong name in the country. Though it was not as strong as the Albrecht group of companies, it had a fair name and contacts and one would think twice before crossing the company.
The main reason was, the company had never faced losses. They have always picked up projects rejected by everyone. Given chances to new graduates and young interns with no name and history, yet they have earned millions and even billions in some cases.
The company was even called as the hands of Midas in the market. The project they touch turns into gold. Many tried to find their secrets or copy their ideas but nothing worked. In the end, they could only give up and see the miracles happening again and again.
Eve watched the building with her eyes gleaming. She slowly walked inside after Jason went inside.
The reception area of JEE Tower was spacious and sleek. Eve felt strange after coming here. It had been a lifetime.
"Excuse me," she said politely, her eyes flicking briefly over Evelyn's face, then pausing on the mask. "May I know whom you are here to meet?"
Evelyn, composed and steady, adjusted the black silk mask slightly, her voice calm and refined. "I am here for the designer interview."
There was a brief pause. The receptionist blinked, her expression shifting slightly into surprise, then returning to professional poise. She typed something quickly into her computer, confirming the schedule.
"Ah, yes. We are conducting interviews today. Please take the elevator to the third floor. Someone will assist you there."
"Thank you," Evelyn replied softly.
The elevator dinged open and she stepped inside alone. The third floor was quieter, a contrast to the main lobby. A few candidates were already waiting, dressed in their best, holding portfolios and nervously scrolling on their phones. A woman in a beige suit and a clipboard approached Evelyn.
"You're here for the designer position?"
"Yes," Evelyn said with a slight nod.
"Name, please?"
"Eva Martin."
The woman didn't even glance twice. She simply ticked something on her list. "Take a seat. You'll be called shortly."
Evelyn sat at the edge of a bench near the window, away from the others. Her posture remained flawless. She looked outside for a brief moment and smiled. A door opened, and someone called out, "Eva Martin?"
Evelyn rose, smoothing her blazer as she walked toward the interview room,
Inside, the interview room was minimalistic and modern. A glass table separated the two chairs, and behind it sat a woman in a sharp charcoal suit. Her expression was a serious, professional look on her face. She looked up from a file, eyes narrowing behind slim-rimmed glasses.
The door clicked shut behind Evelyn with a soft thud. Evelyn had barely taken two steps in when the woman's expression crumbled.
In an instant, she shot up from her seat and rushed forward with surprising speed for someone in heels. "Boss!" she cried, flinging her arms around Evelyn.
Evelyn's eyes widened as the woman hugged her tightly, her face buried in Evelyn's shoulder.
"I thought you were never going to make it here," she sobbed dramatically, her voice muffled. "Do you even know what it's been like waiting and hoping and refreshing my inbox a hundred times a day? God, I'm so glad you finally came!"
Evelyn chuckled softly, one hand lifting to pat the woman's back as if she were comforting a child. "Emily," she said, her tone amused but fond, "you're ruining your image. That clipboard boss act didn't even last five seconds."
Emily pulled back slightly, swiping her arm across her eyes like a child wiping away tears, though no real ones had fallen. "You are one to talk," she pouted, stepping back and gesturing at Evelyn from head to toe. "But why are you here for the interview of a designer? When I saw your message, I was so shocked. I sent the whole team taking the interview out at the last moment." a look of worry passed on her dramatic face. "Were you not working for Albrecht as the CEO's secretary? What happened?"
"I didn't come here to work as a designer but there was no way the receptionist would have let me enter the building without a reason." Evelyn replied, settling into the chair. "I came to see how my empire is running without me.".