Chapter 58

Vanessa's words instantly silenced the room.

Titan Capital Group was legendary in the corporate world—not just for its competitive salaries, but for its unparalleled employee benefits. While other companies exploited their staff with endless overtime, Titan Capital Group valued work-life balance. Their reputation attracted top-tier talent, with PhDs and Ivy League graduates fighting tooth and nail for a chance to join.

No wonder they were skeptical when Evelyn, a mere undergraduate, claimed she was headed there.

Margaret scoffed. "Did I not just warn you about unrealistic dreams? Titan Capital Group? Do you honestly think they'd hire someone like you?"

Evelyn lowered her lashes, shadowing her determined gaze. "Their hiring process doesn’t prioritize degrees. It’s about skill. And I already have the offer."

Richard frowned. He knew better than anyone how rigorous Titan Capital’s recruitment was. Horizon Enterprises had been a stretch—how could she possibly land a position at the industry’s most elite firm?

Vanessa clearly shared his disbelief. She stifled a laugh behind her hand. "Evelyn, darling, you can’t seriously expect us to believe Titan Capital offered you—"

The doorbell rang.

A courier stood outside, holding an embossed envelope. "Delivery for Ms. Evelyn Carter."

Evelyn accepted it, her fingers steady as she unfolded the crisp letterhead.

TITAN CAPITAL GROUP

OFFICIAL EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT

Vanessa’s smile froze.

Richard’s jaw tightened.

Margaret’s breath hitched.

Evelyn met their stunned silence with a quiet smile. "See you tomorrow."

She turned and walked out, leaving them gaping in her wake.

Titan Capital Group? How did you get this?"

Margaret Hayes frowned. Evelyn had only been released from prison days ago. With her criminal record, she wouldn't pass Titan Capital's rigorous background check. Their HR department was notoriously strict—no way they'd hire an ex-convict.

Evelyn pressed her lips together.

The fruit she'd eaten earlier had been too sweet, leaving her parched. A servant handed her a steaming cup of coffee.

She took a slow sip before answering, "Titan Capital's HR department gave it to me directly."

"Ridiculous!" Margaret scoffed, unable to contain her disbelief. "Three years in prison, and you still haven't learned honesty? Look at yourself. Horizon Enterprises wouldn’t touch you—why would Titan Capital?"

Vanessa Hart, standing nearby, quickly passed Margaret another cup. "Mother, don’t upset yourself. Maybe Evelyn begged Ethan for help. Or perhaps she’s trying to worm her way back into his life through the company."

Everyone in Cresthaven knew Titan Capital belonged to the Caldwell family.

Each member held key positions there.

Alexander Whitmore was CEO. Ethan Caldwell headed marketing.

If Evelyn truly sought Ethan's assistance, he might actually create a position for her out of lingering sentiment for their past relationship.

Margaret scoffed, her voice dripping with disdain. "I know exactly why she wants to join Titan Capital Group—she still hasn't let go of Ethan. Evelyn, I warned you to stop causing trouble. Ethan is about to become Vanessa's husband. Why can't you just move on?"

Evelyn remained composed, her expression unreadable. "Yes, he will be Vanessa's husband soon."

Internally, she rolled her eyes. Ethan means nothing to me now. Alexander is my husband.

Not a single member of the Hayes family believed Evelyn had any real intention of joining Titan Capital Group.

Lunch continued in tense silence, each person lost in their own thoughts. Midway through the meal, Evelyn's phone buzzed sharply against the table.

An unknown number flashed on the screen. Without hesitation, she declined the call.

Thirty seconds later, the phone rang again.

Vanessa arched a brow, her tone laced with false concern. "Aren't you going to answer? Or is it something you'd rather keep private?"

Evelyn didn't glance up, her gloved hands deftly peeling a shrimp. She had been meticulously watching her diet lately, determined to regain her strength—and her confidence.

The phone vibrated once more, insistent.

This time, she wiped her fingers clean and swiped to answer, her voice cool. "Hello?"

A deep, unfamiliar voice responded. "Ms. Carter? This is Daniel Pierce from Titan Capital Group. Regarding your application—"

Evelyn's pulse stuttered.

Vanessa's fork clattered against her plate, her eyes narrowing.

Margaret froze mid-bite.

The room seemed to hold its breath.

Evelyn exhaled slowly, her grip tightening on the phone.

So it begins.

The golden afternoon light streamed through the windows of the Hawthorne Estate, casting long shadows across the marble floors. Evelyn Carter stood by the full-length mirror, adjusting the belt of her dress to accentuate her waist. She wanted to look impeccable—every detail mattered now.

Before Vanessa Hart could utter a word, Margaret Hayes snatched the ringing phone from the coffee table and tapped the speaker button without hesitation.

A deep, velvety voice resonated through the room. "Hello, is this Ms. Hart?"

Evelyn’s fingers stilled on the fabric of her dress. Margaret’s lips pursed in disapproval, her sharp gaze flickering toward Evelyn as if she had already drawn her own conclusions.

"Yes, this is she," Vanessa answered smoothly, though her fingers tightened around the phone.

"I’m Gregory Shaw, HR Director at Titan Capital Group. Did you receive the offer we sent via email?"

Evelyn exhaled slowly. "I did."

"Any concerns about the compensation package?"

"None."

"Then we’ll expect you tomorrow at nine sharp?"

"I’ll be there."

"Perfect. See you then."

The call ended, leaving a heavy silence in its wake. The air thickened with unspoken questions. Margaret’s eyes narrowed, Vanessa’s fingers drummed against the armrest, and Evelyn simply stood there—her reflection in the mirror now holding the faintest trace of a smile.

Tomorrow couldn’t come soon enough.