Chapter 578

Evelyn turned her face away. "Exactly. It makes me feel like a decoration."

"Evelyn, this world only cares about results. As long as the outcome is good, even the most difficult process will be hailed as a brilliant decision. If you believe in your choice, time will prove you right. Once the quarterly report comes out, these doubts will vanish."

She bit her lower lip and stayed silent.

Alexander's heart softened at the sight of her stubborn profile. "Let's eat first."

Evelyn seized the chance to create distance. "...We're at the office. Behave."

"So I don't have to behave at home?"

"..."

Their whispered exchange didn't escape the notice of everyone in the conference room.

Front-row attendees Gregory Macmillan and Henry Croix saw it all.

Gregory looked baffled. "Mr. Croix, didn't Mr. Hamilton just say they weren't siblings? What's going on here?"

Henry adjusted his glasses with a knowing smile. "Who knows."

Gregory's temper flared again. "Ms. Carter, dozens of us have been waiting for you—that's hundreds of man-hours wasted! Our time isn't valuable? Everyone's starving through this meeting!"

Evelyn agreed it was inappropriate. "Let's resume the meeting."

"Eat while we work." Alexander's tone brooked no argument. "Since I'm here, I'll observe."

He unpacked the meal containers one by one.

Handing her chopsticks, he said, "Eat. You can still listen."

Evelyn was trapped.

Eating in the conference room?

Company policy strictly forbade it!

"Why aren't you eating?" Noticing her hesitation, Alexander picked up some water spinach with his chopsticks and held it to her lips. "Need me to feed you?"

Evelyn glared.

"Open up."

"..."

"Now."

When the vegetable touched her lips, she had no choice but to quickly take it and chew with her head down.

Before she could swallow, a shrimp appeared at her mouth. "The nutritionist said you need more protein."

She gulped hastily. "Enough. The meeting."

"That little bit isn't enough."

Her hand shot under the table and pinched him hard.

"Ow—" Alexander exaggeratedly sucked in a breath. "You pinched me?"

Evelyn fumed. She hadn't even used much force.

"Really full?"

"Yes." She straightened. "Continue the meeting."

Alexander finally relented. "Fine. Proceed."

Evelyn exhaled in relief and focused on presenting the proposal's core points.

"I've marked the issues with the pricing sheet. Review them carefully."

She signaled her assistant to distribute the materials.

The assistant, intimidated by Alexander, obeyed immediately.

The room's atmosphere shifted as people scanned the documents.

Evelyn had been diplomatic—she could've exposed the flaws publicly.

"Besides a market assistant, this project requires professionals. Before final selection, I'll conduct evaluations."

"Additionally, Hamilton Group is in a transitional phase. The deputy position has been vacant since Mr. Hamilton stepped down, with Mr. Macmillan temporarily overseeing operations."

Gregory went on high alert.

Evelyn said calmly, "You've worked hard during this period."

Gregory forced a smile. "Just doing my job."

"Our priority is securing this contract. The marketing head will share your workload temporarily. We'll finalize the deputy appointment after everything's settled."

With three sentences, she dismantled their alliance.

Others, seeing Gregory's defeat, didn't dare misbehave.

Alexander led the applause. "Well considered, Ms. Carter. Mr. Macmillan does need a break."

Gregory looked like a ghost.

The rest had no choice but to join the clapping.

Only Henry applauded while studying the pair, his smile deepening.

So that's how it was.

The way Mr. Hamilton looked at Ms. Carter could melt steel. Siblings? Yeah, right.

The reporting session began.

Though distracted, nobody dared slack off with Alexander present.

Evelyn took diligent notes, asking questions when unclear.

When Henry's turn came, Gregory secretly tugged his sleeve. "Make me proud!"

Henry smirked.

With Alexander's laser gaze on them? He'd need ten extra lives to try anything.