Chapter 574

The air in the conference room froze for several seconds.

The previously aggressive executives finally fell silent.

"Ms. Carter is right. Securing the project is our top priority now," a middle-aged man broke the silence first.

Evelyn recognized him as one of the four trusted aides Alexander had personally introduced to her before.

Another immediately chimed in, "I'll compile the bidding documents and send them to you for review right away."

"Good." Evelyn gave a slight nod. "That concludes today's meeting. I've noted all your suggestions and will adjust the work pace promptly."

"Wait." Gregory Macmillan suddenly spoke up. "Ms. Carter, vague promises like 'promptly' won't cut it. We need a concrete deadline."

Evelyn pondered briefly. "The day after tomorrow."

"The day after tomorrow?" Gregory scoffed. "Do you know how many competitors are eyeing this? If the plan remains theoretical by then, we won't even have time for damage control."

"What deadline would you suggest, Mr. Macmillan?"

"Tomorrow morning." Gregory scanned the room. "Same conference room. If Ms. Carter fails to deliver a satisfactory response, not just Mr. Chen, but everyone here may need to consider alternative employment."

......

The study was still lit late at night.

Evelyn rubbed her tired eyes as the financial reports before her blurred into indistinct figures.

The doorbell suddenly rang.

She opened the door to find Alexander standing outside, holding a thermal container.

"Something urgent?" Her voice was hoarse.

His gaze traveled past her, landing on the mountain of documents piled on the desk. "Still working this late?"

Only then did Evelyn realize it was already 11 PM.

"The proposal is due tomorrow." She massaged her temples wearily. "Get to the point."

"Brought you some late-night snacks." He lifted the thermal container slightly.

"Thanks, but no." She moved to close the door.

Alexander blocked it with one hand. "Trouble?"

"Work matters." Her reply was curt. "I'm pressed for time."

He asked abruptly, "How was your day at Hamilton Group? Heard the meeting didn't go well."

Evelyn arched an eyebrow. "Your intelligence network is impressively efficient."

Without invitation, he strode past her toward the desk, his eyes scanning the financial reports on the computer screen.

Evelyn followed and noticed his frown deepening.

"Who prepared these reports?" His voice turned grim.

"The digital version from Marketing." She sighed. "Couldn't get the hard copies."

Alexander smirked coldly. "Because they never prepared them."

He pointed at the screen. "All qualification certificates are missing. Submit this bid and we'll be eliminated in the first round."

Evelyn's chest tightened. "I only verified the data..."

"Not your fault." He tapped the desk. "What's Auditing even doing?"

"The whole company is waiting to see me fail." A bitter smile touched her lips. "I have to handle everything personally."

Alexander suddenly turned and met her gaze directly. "You have a better option."

"What option?"

He pointed at himself. "Me."

Evelyn narrowed her eyes. "You're not even with the company anymore. How do you know so much?"

"Someone had to keep watch." His tone was casual. "That dinner wasn't for nothing."

"You knew what happened in the conference room?" She laughed mirthlessly. "Seems you planted quite the surveillance system during your tenure."

"Right now, you don't need to question me," Alexander stepped closer, "but to build your own intelligence network."

"How?"

The corner of his mouth lifted. "Want to learn?"

Evelyn took a deep breath. "Name your terms. Even the sofa is negotiable."