Eva walked into the Architectural design department. Julie approached her with a big smile."Eva, excellent work!" Julie commended, holding a cup of coffee. "Baron had a habit of harassing young women in the department. We were all fed up with it. But nobody dared to take action because of his position as director."Eva's happiness grew upon realizing that she had successfully rid herself of such a problematic individual."It's all right now, Julie. That scumbag has gotten his reward. You don't have to work in fear anymore," she said comfortingly.The two of them shared a warm smile for a while. They felt like they became closer.Both women has been talking in excited tones, so they were audible.One of their female colleagues, overhearing their conversation, interjected, "Don't get ahead of yourself, Eva, especially after the trouble you caused just days into your tenure here. I warned you to maintain a low profile if you want to keep your job."Julie's surprise was evident as she tu
"Aliza quipped, her eyebrows knitting together as she remarked, 'This isn't what I had in mind.'""Nathan expressed confusion. 'Isn't this your design?' he asked. 'You mentioned you were the lead designer overseeing the plan.'"Aliza nodded, her explanation hurried. "I did create a draft for the amusement park plan, but what you're holding isn't it. You must have grabbed the wrong one."Nathan's face contorted into a deep frown. "Are you implying that I caused the mix-up? What kind of mistake do you think I'd make? This is the plan we selected!"Sensing that Nathan was offended by her choice of words, Aliza immediately adjusted her tone and put on a polite smile."Sir, I apologize if my words came across differently. Please, allow me to clarify. The plan you're holding was actually designed by a newcomer named Eva Torres, or Eva Lowes, and it never received approval from the director. The plan that was approved is the one I created. That's why I'm surprised by this discrepancy. It goe
Julie shook Eva's shoulder with excitement. Feeling a rush of dizziness, Eva gently pulled away from Julie's grasp and directed her gaze towards the computer screen. There, prominently displayed, was Eva's name on the promotion notice. The email declared her as the newly appointed director of the architectural design department. What? How did this come about? Eva had explicitly instructed Jayson not to promote her. She couldn't comprehend why he had disregarded her wishes. Within moments, a crowd of other employees gathered around to catch a glimpse. Shock rippled through them as they beheld the name displayed. "That can't be right! There must be some mistake!" Aliza gently pushed her colleagues aside and leaned in to see for herself. To her astonishment, it was indeed Eva's name prominently displayed on the notice. Her voice trembled with disbelief as she muttered, "How is this possible? Why not me?" The color drained from her face, replaced by a deepening shade of crimson.
Eva was adorned in a stunning sapphire blue fishtail dress. Her wavy black locks were elegantly coiled up with a shimmering pearl hairpin, adding a touch of sophistication to her ensemble. Adorning her slender neck was a delicate silver necklace that gracefully traced the lines of her clavicle. The subtle makeup she wore enhanced her natural beauty, accentuating her features without overpowering them. With a radiant smile gracing her lips, she exuded an aura of enchantment that captivated all who beheld her. Like a wild rose swaying in the gentle mountain breeze, she emanated an effortless allure, drawing the gaze of every guest in attendance. The men gazed at her with wide-eyed wonder, captivated by the goddess-like presence before them. "Isn't she stunningly beautiful?" "Who is she? What lineage does she hail from? And how is it that she's eluded our notice at all the elite gatherings?" "Hold on! Her visage strikes a chord. She's none other than Blake's former spouse, Eva Lowes
"Jayson, please remove your hand from her. As the CEO of World Group, your behavior is entirely inappropriate. Why are you touching your employee in this manner?"Blake's voice carried a sharp edge, his fists clenched at his sides, the urge to confront Jayson palpable. He struggled to contain his rising anger, his restraint a thin veil over his simmering frustration."What exactly do you think you're doing, Jayson? You can't just disregard your position like this," Blake interjected, his words laced with a mix of disbelief and reproach.Jayson's smirk widened, seemingly unfazed by Blake's admonishment. "What's the problem, Blake? Tonight, I'm not the CEO; I'm just Eva's date," he retorted, his tone dripping with arrogance.Blake's jaw tightened, a surge of indignation coursing through him. He fought to maintain his composure, the urge to confront Jayson clawing at his restraint. With a deep breath, he composed himself, his gaze unwavering as he addressed Jayson once more.Jayson's gri
Eva's chuckle carried a hint of amusement as she regarded Tally's ignorance with a mixture of patience and bemusement."You see, Tally," Eva began, her tone laced with a touch of condescension, "foam concrete isn't simply composed of foam. It's a sophisticated blend of cement, coal ash, stone powder, and a measured infusion of foam, all meticulously combined through advanced mechanical processes."She continued, her explanation measured and precise, as if addressing a student in need of enlightenment. "Through the marvels of modern technology, these ingredients are frothed together to create a cement-based slurry. A specialized pumping system is then employed to facilitate construction."Eva's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm as she delved into the merits of foam concrete. "And here's the beauty of it: foam concrete boasts a myriad of advantages. It's remarkably durable, exhibiting exceptional resistance to both water and heat. What's more, its unique composition enables it to absorb sho
As the newly appointed director, Eva was tasked with delivering a speech at the banquet after successfully securing several crucial deals. She took a brief moment to touch up her makeup, stepping out of the ladies' room with a sense of anticipation. However, her thoughts were interrupted by Tally, who intercepted her at the corner of the stairs.Eva, feeling a mix of impatience and curiosity, brushed a stray hair away as she addressed Tally, "Why are you blocking my path, Tally? What's on your mind now?"Tally stood with her arms crossed, her gaze piercing as she confronted Eva, resentment simmering in her eyes."You think you're untouchable just because Blake's got your back, huh?" Tally's words dripped with bitterness.Eva's lip curled in a contemptuous sneer. "Blake protecting me? You must be joking, Tally. Are you implying something I'm not seeing, or is it just your imagination running wild?"Eva's laughter echoed through the corridor, a stark contrast to Tally's simmering anger.
Tally shivered involuntarily, her body trembling in Blake's arms as her face drained of color, leaving her complexion even paler than before."I'm not pulling another stunt," Tally whispered, her voice barely audible above the tumult of emotions swirling around them. "I know that I wronged you, Eva. But please, don't accuse me falsely."Blake's grip tightened around Tally, a mix of concern and frustration etched onto his features. He looked up at Eva, his gaze steely as he issued a warning, the intensity of his tone cutting through the charged atmosphere."Don't go too far, Eva," he cautioned, his words carrying a weight of authority that brooked no argument.Eva's chuckle held a bitter edge as she watched the scene unfold before her, a cruel deja vu playing out once again."For what feels like the thousandth time," she thought, her heart heavy with the weight of past grievances, "I regret ever falling in love with this man who has caused me nothing but suffering for three long years.
Xian was still in a daze when the phone rang, pulling him from his thoughts. He blinked a few times, trying to shake off the lingering haze of confusion. As he reached for the phone, he saw Tally's name on the screen, and a wave of curiosity and anticipation washed over him. What could she want at this hour? Xian hesitated to answer the call before finally holding it up to his ear."Xian, have you seen Blake lately?" Tally spoke in a soft voice.Xian felt goose bumps all over his body. "Tally, what do you need from him?""It's been a while since I last saw him. He never answers my calls or comes to visit anymore," Tally whimpered, her voice trembling with worry. "Xian, can you help me find him?"In the past, Xian might have helped Tally without a second thought, but after the harsh lesson Blake had just taught him, he knew better than to risk angering Blake again anytime soon.As Tally sobbed over the phone, Xian tried to calm her. "Please, stop crying," he said gently. "Blake is at
Xian's hand flew to his cheek, cradling the stinging welt where a moment ago, Blake's hand had landed. Disbelief clouded his eyes. "Blake...?" His voice barely a whisper. "Why?"Blake's jaw was clenched tight, his features contorted in a mixture of fury and something else – perhaps regret, perhaps a deeper anger he couldn't articulate. "Don't even ask," he growled, his voice strained.Xian flinched at the venom in Blake's tone. The playful banter and easy camaraderie they once shared seemed a distant memory. Fear prickled at his skin, but a flicker of defiance sparked in his eyes. He would get answers, even if it meant facing Blake's wrath.Xian trembled with fright and didn't dare argue with Blake.Owen stood aside and watched everything with disdain.If Blake hadn't attacked Xian's he would have punched Xian.Eva wasn't in the mood to worry about anything else. Her only concern was Owen's injury.In the heat of the battle, Owen had twisted his wound while attempting to attack Xian
Eva returned home with the gifts she bought after the auction.As if she was Santa Claus on Christmas, she distributed each of the items to her family. Uncle Axel wasn't home, so she had to send his item through international express.The Lowes family was overjoyed when they got the gifts from their girl."Ev, what would you like? Name anything, and I'll get it. you want that stars in the night sky? I'll pick them out of the air for you!" Owen soaked in his confidence, grinning.Eva quickly denied his offer, smilling. "Thank you, Uncle Owen. But it's just a fun little gift. There's no favor you need to return to me. Trust me, I'm saving you trouble."This wasn't fun at all. Gossip about Eva and Owen had stirred drama about them all across the city.If the media found out that owen was sending her a gift, no matter how big or small, their names were guaranteed to be the trending topic before long.She wasn't too worried about her own reputation, but Owen was a government official, and
Eva stiffened, her smile faltering for a fleeting moment. A flicker of suspicion sparked in her eyes as she leveled a cool stare at Brady. "Do you want to take back the painting?"The question hung heavy in the air, laced with unspoken accusation."Goodness, Miss Lowes, the thought never crossed my mind. This painting belongs to you now. It wouldn't be right for me to take it back. Actually, I was hoping we could become friends, if that wouldn't be presumptuous of me.""You want to be her friend?" Jenny piped up, looking at Brady cautiously."Absolutely! Your passion for art is truly refreshing." Brady leaned forward, a spark of genuine interest in his eyes. "You know, my family has a long history in the art industry. We've amassed quite a collection of antiques. If you're ever interested in seeing some unique pieces, I'd love to show you sometime."The intensity in Eva's gaze softened a fraction as she studied Brady's face. A flicker of something genuine – perhaps sincerity,
The situation had escalated beyond control and could no longer be swept under the carpet.The auctioneer looked at Eva apologetically.It would be rude to subject the painting to an authentication test after it had already been sold to Eva.However, failing to do so could damage the organization's reputation and potentially lead to a loss of trust and severed ties with their clients."Do you mind, Miss Lowes?" the auctioneer asked politely, his tone tinged with hesitation.Eva met his gaze and responded calmly, "No, I don't. Go ahead with it."Unfazed by the antagonism from most of the people in the hall, Eva folded her arms and stood confidently. Her poise was unwavering as whispers and skeptical glances filled the room. She knew the stakes were high, but she was prepared to face whatever scrutiny came her way. Her unwavering composure seemed to challenge her critics, daring them to doubt her judgment. The air was thick with tension, but Eva's steady demeanor began to shift the atmos
"Apologies, Mr. Torres. Don't worry, I'll handle the situation and make sure she quiets down immediately."Beads of sweat appeared on Curran's forehead as he pleaded with Blake, his voice shaky and desperate. Turning to Becky, he gave her a stern, warning look, masking the true emotions that churned within him. It was all just a show; deep down, he was elated that his goal had been achieved. The facade of fear and anxiety was a necessary act to maintain the charade, but inside, Curran felt a surge of triumph and satisfaction. His mind raced with the possibilities now open to him, and he relished the success that was finally within his grasp.Eva spent a fortune on what turned out to be a fake painting. Three million and five thousand dollars vanished in an instant! He believed she must have exhausted her entire net worth. The sheer enormity of the loss was staggering, and the thought of such a monumental mistake weighed heavily on him. He couldn't fathom how she had been deceived so e
The auction continued, and they placed a piece of classical oil painting for bidding.It was a portrait of a majestic general and his men fighting bravely with the enemy. The vivid image, strong color tone, and well-defined strokes offered a powerful visual effect.The auctioneer tapped the microphone and announced, "This oil painting, named Victory, is a skillfull work of art of the classical painter, Alexander Yebo, which depicts the victory return of General Theo Clark. Brady Lena has donated this piece of work."Eva fell in love with the painting the minute she saw it, and she soon joined the bidding."One million!""One million and one hundred thousand!" Curran immediately made a bid.He wasn't ready to compromise. The bidding was tense. He was determined to acquire the painting.The price of the oil painting gradually soared as the bidding proceeded. In the end, Eva and Curran were the only bidders left.The two immediately became the center of everyone's attention.Becky was si
"All heads turned toward the source of the voice.When the guests saw Blake seated beside Eva, shock rippled through the room."Oh my God! Is that Blake? Why is he sitting next to Eva instead of in a private room?""He claimed that all the items Eva donated tonight were his.""There's something suspicious here. When they were married, he rarely took Eva out, and she was hardly known by many. Yet now, after their divorce, they're always seen together. It doesn't add up."While a few of them were examining the relationship between those two, the wise ones realized something."The identity of the donor seemed inconsequential; what resonated was that Blake had personally funded the items. His deliberate mention of this detail appeared aimed at refuting the narrative Becky had been spreading, suggesting a motive to assert his influence or protect Eva's reputation amidst the speculation surrounding their relationship post-divorce.""The opportunity to catch the attention of the CEO of Torre
"Hey, cut it out!" he exclaimed, his tone sharp with suspicion. "Something tells me you're trying to stir up trouble here. How on earth can an emerald ring be worth just a dollar? Even a fake one would cost more than that!"Jenny sprang to her feet, her patience finally snapping as she turned sharply towards Becky.Becky sneered disdainfully, her expression dripping with contempt. She eyed Jenny from head to toe before shifting her gaze to Eva, her disdain evident in every glance."In my opinion, this emerald ring is worth no more than a dollar! You should be grateful I'm even bidding on it. The ring came from a country bumpkin who dropped out of middle school. Her possessions are worthless. It's utterly humiliating!"The other guests began to see sense in what Becky said. Those that wanted to bid for the ring gave up.No matter how exquisite the item was, they couldn't overlook the fact that its original owner was a countrywoman. The stigma associated with her background overshadowed