Jason Lawrence froze. "You can understand this?"

Evelyn Ross was about to answer when the quiet male colleague next to her spoke. "Team Lead, she really can."

Jason frowned. "Do you two know each other?"

The colleague smiled shyly. "I'm Professor Lowell's graduate student at San Francisco University. Last year, when I was working on a project with him, she was also on the team..."

Evelyn studied him, then recognition dawned. "Daniel Clementson? Senior Daniel?"

Daniel nodded and explained to Jason. "She was the only undergraduate Professor Lowell ever made an exception to bring onto a project. Her reading speed is incredible, and she's very familiar with these basic frameworks."

Jason's face remained stern. "Understanding basics is nothing special. If she's so capable, let her solve the core technical challenges!"

Daniel quickly tried to smooth things over. "Team Lead, that's asking too much."

Jason snorted. "If you don't have the skill, just stay in your lane. Going to the archives to look up basic material? How embarrassing!"

He turned and walked away.

Daniel gave Evelyn an apologetic look. "The Team Lead has been struggling with a technical issue for days. His temper is short, but he's not a bad person. Please don't take it to heart."

Evelyn wasn't bothered.

She came to Vance Group to research. After asking for directions to the archives, she headed straight there.

The Vance Group archives occupied the entire 60th floor. It was a massive internal library, accessible only to employees.

It housed precious documents from various industries. Many rare scientific research materials, difficult to obtain elsewhere, could be found here.

Evelyn's heart raced. She had a feeling she would find what she wanted here.

…

Top-floor office.

Alexander Vance was reviewing documents when his phone chimed.

Eleanor Vance had sent a WhatsApp message. [Remember to have lunch with your wife at noon. Send me a cute couple photo.]

Alexander frowned.

He was about to make an excuse about a meeting when the chat window flickered. His grandmother's display name changed to "Fragile Grandma Who Can't Handle Stress".

Alexander stared at the new nickname for a long moment. Finally, he sighed and pressed the call button.

Thomas Watson entered. "Boss?"

"Prepare two lunches and bring them up."

"Yes, sir."

Alexander messaged "Ferrum" on WhatsApp, asking her to come to the top floor for lunch.

But the lunch sat on the table for a long time with no reply.

Alexander stood up. "Where is she?"

Thomas replied, "Miss Evelyn is in the archives."

Alexander took the elevator to the 60th floor. He weaved through the bookshelves, searching for her.

Soon, he found her... and Julian Evans standing right in front of her.

…

Evelyn was completely immersed in the books. She didn't notice her phone vibrating.

This archive contained the most cutting-edge technical literature. It was a treasure trove.

She lingered among the shelves, absorbed. Stepping back, she accidentally bumped into someone.

"Sorry."

She turned and met Julian's complicated gaze.

Julian stared at her intently. "Evelyn Ross, you're sucking up to Great-Grandma. It's not to get close to Uncle, is it?"

Evelyn's expression turned cold. "None of your business."

Julian pressed on. "Uncle never gets close to women. Don't think your pretty face will attract him. He's not that shallow! He just gave you some meaningless job to keep you quiet, right?"

Evelyn scoffed. "Are you saying you chased me for so long back then because you are shallow?"

Julian was speechless.

Evelyn looked calmly at the man before her.

He was once her only friend in university.

She had seriously considered his pursuit. She had even looked forward to the surprise he promised at graduation.

She never thought it would come to this.

She sighed softly. "Julian Evans, can't we just part amicably?"

"No!"

Julian's eyes reddened. "I know you hate me for proposing to Isabella Ashcroft. But elite marriages involve too many factors! I fought for you. My mother even agreed to me dating a commoner. But your status... I could never marry a love child! How would I hold my head up in the Vance family? I'd be the laughingstock of all San Francisco!"

Evelyn watched him.

She used to feel insecure about her status as a child.

But the day she left the Ashcroft family, she understood. Self-respect is what matters.

She looked away. "Thanks for not marrying me."

She tried to leave, but Julian blocked her path. "I heard Jason Lawrence is giving you a hard time in R&D Team One. I can transfer you to Team Two. I'll have my best person mentor you... With your intelligence, you'll be independent soon. You won't have to work odd jobs everywhere..."

Evelyn cut him off. "What's the condition?"

"Divorce him. Be with me."

Julian couldn't stand the thought of another man having her!

Just thinking about it drove him insane!

Evelyn said coldly, "You're not worthy!"

"Why? Do you love that thug so much? Want to bet? If I offer him money, or have someone scare him, he'll abandon you immediately! What does he have that I don't?"

Julian was furious. He grabbed Evelyn's wrist and pinned her against a bookshelf.

His eyes were bloodshot. "Or are all women like you? Once you sleep with someone, you can't let go? Then let's see who's better, him or me!"

He leaned in, trying to force a kiss.

At the end of the aisle, Alexander watched everything.

Seeing Julian's失控 behavior, his face darkened. He was about to step forward when—

The slender figure suddenly raised her knee, striking Julian hard between the legs!

Julian grunted in pain and stumbled back. She didn't hesitate and slapped him across the face!

"Slap!"

Evelyn was still angry. She glared coldly at Julian.

"I didn't want to crush you. But since you insist on comparing, I'll tell you. My husband is taller than you, handsomer than you, and his stamina is infinitely better than yours. Unlike you, who can't even push me away. Maybe you should hit the gym more."

Evelyn turned to leave but collided with Alexander's gaze from around the corner.

Evelyn was speechless.

Alexander was speechless.

Julian was bent over in pain. He shouted furiously, "What good is his stamina? I can make your life hell at the company anytime! Your husband can't do anything about it!"

Before he finished, a deep male voice rang out. "Who says he can't?"