The receptionist personally escorted Isabella Ashcroft into the elevator.

Just as the doors were closing, Isabella caught a glimpse of Evelyn Ross still sitting on the lobby sofa.

A flicker of mockery passed through her eyes.

The receptionist asked eagerly, "Miss Ashcroft, is there anything else you need?"

Isabella replied gently, "Thank you for your hard work. I'll mention a raise to Julian."

The receptionist beamed. "Thank you, Miss Ashcroft!"

Isabella glanced toward the sofa, her tone laced with concern. "My sister is very stubborn. It would be troublesome if she actually manages to wait for Mr. Vance…"

The elevator doors slid shut.

A cold smile curved Isabella's lips.

Did Evelyn really think her pretty face could help her climb the social ladder?

How naive.

Marriage among the elite was all about matching status and mutual benefit.

No matter how much Julian Evans liked her, he would ultimately choose a union that brought advantages.

The elevator arrived on the 68th floor.

Isabella entered the office, her gentle demeanor fully restored.

Julian sat behind his desk, impeccably dressed in a suit.

His eyes scanned her face. "What happened to your cheek?"

Isabella looked down. "I just bumped it."

Julian frowned. "Don't provoke her."

Isabella answered obediently, "I know."

She walked over to Julian's side, her voice soft. "Julian, how is the new energy project progressing?"

Julian's expression turned serious. "We haven't broken through the technical bottleneck yet."

Isabella smiled. "Mother and I have arranged a dinner with Dr. Nan. We can invite him to join the team."

Julian's expression softened. "Good."

He reached out and pulled her close, his fingers gently brushing her cheek. "Does it still hurt?"

Isabella lowered her eyes, hiding her cold thoughts.

Resources like Dr. Nan were something Evelyn could never hope to access.

As for where Julian's heart truly lay…

She didn't care.

All she wanted was the position of Mrs. Evans.

Downstairs in the lobby.

Evelyn was contacting the "grandson."

The old man was staying at her place. She needed to clarify responsibility with his family.

Just after sending the message, a shadow fell over her.

The receptionist stood before her with a security guard, her tone haughty. "You need to leave. Immediately."

Evelyn leaned back lazily against the sofa. "On what grounds?"

The receptionist lifted her chin. "You're interfering with my work."

Evelyn chuckled lightly. "If you're so easily distracted, perhaps you should consider a different job."

The receptionist's face flushed red. She ordered the guard, "Throw her out!"

As the guard moved to act, the executive elevator doors suddenly opened.

Alexander Vance stepped out, followed by Thomas Watson.

The man's gaze swept across the lobby, as if searching for something.

Thomas strode over. "What's going on here?"

The receptionist spoke first, accusingly. "Mr. Watson, she insists on seeing Mr. Vance and refuses to leave!"

Evelyn stated calmly, "I'm waiting for someone."

The receptionist scoffed. "See, Mr. Watson? She's still making excuses!"

Thomas frowned at Evelyn. "Miss Ross, have some self-respect."

He then turned to the receptionist. "Has the maintenance technician arrived? The penthouse air conditioning urgently needs repair."

The receptionist looked blank. "I haven't seen any technician…"

Evelyn spoke up. "I'm here."

She held up her work ID. "The receptionist wouldn't let me upstairs."

Thomas was stunned. "You're the technician?"

The ID's issue date showed it was from nine years ago.

Thomas looked incredulous. "You're still doing part-time work?"

Evelyn didn't answer. Her gaze shifted to Alexander. "Mr. Vance, your receptionist not only blocked my way but also tried to have me physically removed."

Alexander's cold eyes swept toward the receptionist. "You're fired."

The receptionist's face turned deathly pale. She didn't dare to argue.

Alexander looked at Evelyn, his expression detached. "Satisfied?"

Evelyn stood up. "Mr. Vance, have you checked the records at City Hall?"

Alexander ignored her. He instructed Thomas, "Take her upstairs. I don't want to see her again."

Evelyn raised an eyebrow.

Thomas grabbed her arm. "Miss Ross, come with me. Even if you went through all this trouble to get up there, the boss wouldn't give you a second glance."

Alexander took out his phone and placed a voice call to "Wuxing Que Tie."

Evelyn's phone rang at the exact same moment.