Chapter 474

The reception ended, and the crowd dispersed.

Sebastian Hart caught a ride with Evelyn Sinclair. During the drive back, he couldn't stop praising Preston Sinclair.

"That man operates on another level entirely. He's in a league of his own compared to us ordinary folk!"

Evelyn gave a slight nod in agreement.

The R&D project at Kingsley Tech was progressing remarkably well. Within days, they had achieved breakthrough results.

The new project assistant, Benjamin Carter, stationed at Kingsley Tech, found himself overwhelmed by the project's scale. He requested Evelyn to send additional support staff.

Evelyn approved the request without hesitation.

After all, the project had reached an advanced stage where complexity and specialization far exceeded initial expectations.

Two days later, Bennett delivered the list of new recruits to Evelyn.

Evelyn scanned the documents while Bennett hesitated. "These candidates all graduated from Ivy League schools. Would you like to select one personally?"

She flipped through the stack casually. "Who stands out in this batch?"

Bennett didn't answer directly. Instead, he hinted, "There's someone here you wouldn't expect."

Evelyn's eyebrows arched with curiosity. She turned several pages before freezing at a familiar photograph. Her fingers twitched, her smile vanishing instantly.

"What the hell?"

Bennett cleared his throat. "Victoria Ashford, daughter of Ashford Group's chairman."

Evelyn's brow furrowed as she examined Victoria's credentials - a mediocre state university graduate with no notable achievements. Such qualifications shouldn't have made it past initial screening.

Bennett explained, "Chairman Ashford personally contacted our HR department. While the resume was forwarded, the final decision remains ours."

Evelyn's eyes flashed briefly. She tapped her fingers rhythmically on the desk, her expression unreadable.

It appeared Victoria Ashford was preparing for a long-term game.

Or perhaps she specifically aimed to infiltrate Sterling Corporation?

Whatever the motive, it certainly piqued Evelyn's interest.

A smirk played at Evelyn's lips. "Assign her to assist Benjamin then."

Bennett nodded. "Understood."

At Kingsley Tech...

Evelyn received a message from Dominic Kingsley requesting her presence for the next phase discussions.

Simultaneously, Victoria Ashford received her onboarding notice.

Victoria currently resided in a luxury apartment near Blackwood Enterprises, boasting premium amenities in an upscale neighborhood.

Her assignment directed her to report directly to Kingsley Tech, not Sterling Corporation.

Bennett handled her orientation.

When Evelyn arrived at Kingsley Tech, Dominic Kingsley waited at the entrance to greet the VIP.

Marcus opened the car door for Evelyn, who stepped out gracefully. Dominic greeted her warmly.

"Ms. Sterling, your punctuality is commendable."

Evelyn replied smoothly, "Tardiness isn't in my vocabulary."

As they chatted toward the elevators, they crossed paths with Bennett giving Victoria a tour, the new hire clutching paperwork.

Bennett paused to bow respectfully.

"Good afternoon, Ms. Sterling. This is our new—"

Victoria didn't greet them, her gaze locked on the elegant Evelyn. She expected recognition, but Evelyn didn't spare her a glance.

Evelyn didn't break stride, offering only a faint acknowledging smile as she followed Dominic toward the conference room, her regal bearing effortless.

Victoria's fists clenched as she stared at Evelyn's retreating figure.

This felt like their first meeting, yet she knew better.

The Evelyn before her exuded refinement so natural it couldn't be faked. That innate poise and confidence were qualities Victoria could never replicate.

"Let's go, Ms. Ashford," Bennett instructed briskly. "Fetch three coffees - two black, one with milk only."

Here's the rewritten version following all your instructions: