Daniel Clementson froze completely.
He stared blankly at Evelyn Ross.
Evelyn remained calm. "I sent it to your email last Friday."
Daniel swallowed hard. "That wasn't an empty email?"
Evelyn raised an eyebrow.
Daniel suddenly understood.
He rushed to his workstation and opened his email.
There it was. The attachment!
His fingers trembled as he clicked download.
New energy research requires both theory and practice.
Evelyn had completed the simulation portion for him last Friday.
He had been assisting in the lab all day today.
He never checked his email.
The download finished.
Daniel eagerly began reading.
The more he read, the more astonished he became.
The core technology application was extremely complex.
Some sections required repeated study to fully grasp.
Evelyn saw he was completely absorbed.
She turned and walked toward the elevator, heading for the 60th floor.
The elevator doors opened.
Several members from Team One entered.
"Beep beep beep—"
The overload alarm sounded.
Someone immediately looked at Evelyn. "You get out."
Their tone was impatient.
Evelyn looked up. "I wasn't the last one on."
The person snorted. "We're in a hurry. You're not busy. Just move aside, will you?"
Others quickly agreed.
"Exactly! You're just going to read books anyway!"
"Don't waste our time!"
"The team lead is waiting for us!"
Evelyn frowned.
She sensed clear hostility.
Though confused by the reason, she stepped out of the elevator.
Arguing was pointless.
The elevator doors closed.
Someone muttered quietly, "Was that too harsh?"
"Who told her to skip work but still want credit…"
Evelyn took another elevator to the 60th floor.
She hurried toward the archives section.
But her book was gone.
She paused, startled.
She searched the shelves frantically.
No one nearby had it either.
Archive books cannot be checked out.
Where did the book go?
A thought suddenly occurred to her.
Only one person in the entire company could have taken it.
The penthouse.
Alexander Vance examined the heavy volume in his hands.
It covered neurology.
He had some knowledge due to his grandmother's condition.
But this book was profoundly advanced.
Why would Evelyn be reading this?
Thomas Watson finished his report on the downstairs situation. "Sir, Evelyn is taking advantage of Mrs. Vance's favor! You arranged a professional department for her to learn, but she doesn't appreciate it at all!"
"She never came here to work in the first place."
Alexander's voice was cold as he set the book down.
Thomas was taken aback.
He felt his boss was defending her?
It must be a misunderstanding.
He asked, "Should I return the book?"
Alexander tapped the cover lightly.
He recalled the girl's eager expression when she saw the book.
He also remembered the firm feel of her in his arms that morning.
A sudden dryness touched his throat.
"Not yet."
Evelyn considered going to the penthouse to retrieve the book from Alexander.
But the memory of that morning's embrace made her hesitate, feeling unexpectedly shy.
She slowly returned to the R&D department.
The elevator doors opened.
She saw Jason Lawrence with Team One in the break area, drinking coffee.
Everyone looked exhausted.
Seeing Evelyn's relaxed appearance, someone couldn't hold back.
"Evelyn, this company isn't a place for you to wander around!"
"We're all working ourselves to the bone. How can you not even help?"
"Don't you know how much experience you gain participating in a project?"
"The project bonus is split equally. We haven't complained about your lack of skill, but you can't just collect a paycheck without contributing!"
"Even someone with connections should have limits!"
Evelyn stopped walking.
She asked seriously, "Is there something you need help with?"
"If you don't understand the tech, at least help with errands! Get coffee or make copies!"
Evelyn frowned. "I'm sorry. That's not within my job scope."
She had been working part-time since middle school.
She understood workplace rules.
The salary at Vance Group was good.
But she had completed three tasks last Friday.
She had already earned her keep.
She didn't know the minor issue she resolved last was the core problem stumping the entire team.
After speaking, she headed toward the office.
Her response angered her colleagues.
"No skills, but a real attitude!"
"Why did the company hire someone like this?"
Jason listened to the comments.
He watched Evelyn's indifferent demeanor.
His brow furrowed tightly.
He wanted to help Evelyn.
But her apparent lack of effort was truly disappointing.
He had stood up for her against Julian Evans.
How foolish!
Jason slammed his hand on the table and roared, "Evelyn! If you don't want to work, get out! Team One doesn't carry dead weight!"
Inside the office.
Daniel stared at the email on his computer with rapt fascination.
He finally understood it!
Daniel shot to his feet and burst out the door.
He excitedly grabbed Jason's arm!