Chapter 65

Evelyn Sinclair sensed something amiss the moment she stepped into the Financial Department.

The usually noisy workspace had fallen eerily silent.

Even keyboard strokes were deliberately softened.

A suffocating tension hung thick in the air.

She walked straight to the manager's office and knocked lightly.

"Manager Lee, I found the stockings you wanted." She deliberately raised her voice. "It took five different stores to locate the exact same style and shade—"

The door swung open abruptly.

Julian Ashford's icy expression greeted her.

"Editor-in-chief?" Evelyn feigned surprise.

Over Julian's shoulder, she glimpsed Victoria Henn's livid face.

"Isn't Ms. Henn supposed to be with Mr. Sullivan?"

Victoria's eyes burned with venomous fury.

Visit Vincent Sullivan again?

And risk another public humiliation?

Julian's gaze dropped to Melissa Lee's legs hidden beneath the desk.

"Stockings?" His voice could freeze hell. "Is this why Horizon Media hired you? As a personal shopper?"

Evelyn smiled innocently. "Manager Lee has very specific requirements. Last time—"

"Evelyn Sinclair!" Melissa snapped.

Julian turned his glacial stare on Melissa.

"Can't function without stockings?"

Melissa flinched.

She'd never seen Julian this severe.

"Does your paycheck cover personal fetishes?" His words cut like knives. "Hire a maid if you need errands run. Don't disgrace yourself here."

Melissa turned ghostly pale.

"That's not—"

"Then what?" Julian sneered. "Abusing authority? Settling personal scores? Is this all a department head is capable of?"

Melissa collapsed into her chair.

The elegant man she admired was now shredding her dignity with cruel precision.

All for Evelyn Sinclair!

Julian's expression softened when he turned back to Evelyn.

"Mr. Sullivan requested you specifically for the interview. Will you go?"

The blatant favoritism made Melissa's tears spill over.

Evelyn answered calmly, "If the company needs me, I'll oblige."

"Hypocrite!" Melissa exploded. "Why didn't you answer your phone earlier? You did this on purpose!"

Evelyn remained unruffled. "I was busy finding Manager Lee's stockings. No stockings, no proofreading—as you know."

"You—" Melissa slammed her hands on the desk.

"Then I won't go." Evelyn surrendered smoothly.

Julian immediately backed her. "Her choice."

Panic flashed across Victoria's face.

Would all blame fall on her now?

She glared daggers at Melissa, the silent threat unmistakable.

Melissa suddenly grasped the gravity of her situation.

Swallowing her pride, she forced conciliation. "Evelyn, I was too harsh earlier—"

"You do need her," Julian mocked. "As your personal servant."

The department held its collective breath.

The Financial Department's reigning queen now groveled. "I abused my position..."

"Specifically?" Julian pressed.

Melissa's tears fell freely.

The realization struck her—this entire humiliation was Julian's revenge for Evelyn.

And she was the sacrificial lamb on this altar of public shaming.