After Theo arrived at theb, he ran a series of tests on the sample robots, meticulously checking for any issues. Everything seemed to function as expected–if anything, the robots actually worked together more smoothly than before.


    He nced over the revised proposal Evangeline had handed him and noticed that. a few parameters had been subtly adjusted to better match the updated features. Glenn had never been much good at this sort of thing, so it was clear Evangeline had caught these details herself.


    That, Theo had to admit, was a pleasant surprise.


    Admittedly, a few minor ws still cropped up in the new features, but considering what had been aplished in just twenty days, the results were impressive.


    Keeping his expression neutral, Theo pointed out a couple of parameters that could be fine–tuned, then turned to Evangeline. “Get ready. You’ll be presenting at the productunch next week.”


    With that, he left theb without another word.


    As soon as he was gone, the team erupted into cheers.


    “That’s Director Shaw’s way of saying the product’s ready for final approval!”


    “Director Whitmore, looks like you’re staying with thepany!”


    “Incredible! Only twenty days, Director Whitmore–I misjudged you before. You’re


    amazing.”


    Amid the congrattory chatter, Evangeline simply smiled and said, “This was a team effort. We did it together.”


    Her words made the others a little sheepish.


    The truth was, nobody had much faith in Evangeline at the start. Once the n <b>was </b>set, most of them had just gone through the motions, doing the bare minimum–sometimes even less. Evangeline had spent long hours alone in theb, while the rest of them, in private, had joked that she was just putting on a show.


    None of them had expected her to actually pull it off, least of all in such a short time.


    Lily found it hardest to believe. While the others had at least pretended to help, she hadn’t even bothered with that–leaving her tasks unfinished, convinced Evangeline


    19:18


    wouldn’tst anyway. Theo clearly didn’t care for Evangeline, and no one expected him to hold Lily ountable for tasks Evangeline couldn’tplete.


    But now that Evangeline’s position at thepany was secure, Lily couldn’t help but panic at the thought of possible payback.


    Evangeline noticed Lily’s uneasy expression but didn’t pay it much mind. She knew exactly what Lily was thinking, but she wasn’t the type to hold grudges over petty workce slights. Besides, she recognized that, for all her attitude, Lily wast technically gifted. She’d decide how to handle things based on what happened next.


    Evangeline spent the rest of the day refining the parameters Theo had gged, then turned her attention to drafting herunch presentation. She workedte into the night before finally heading back to her apartment.


    The moment she stepped inside, she saw Soren.


    He was loungingzily on her couch, flipping through one of her books, a faint smile ying on his lips. He looked perfectly at ease, even content.


    Evangeline’s spirits, which had been high after her sess at work, sank the instant she saw him.


    Maybe it was time to get a sturdier lock, she mused. But then again, with Soren, even a hundred locks wouldn’t make a difference. If he wanted in, he’d find a way.


    What did he want this time?


    “You’re backte,” Soren remarked, ncing up and running his eyes over her from head to toe.


    She wore a white tailored suit, her usually bare face ented with a touch of makeup. It gave her a poised, sophisticated look she didn’t often disy.


    Was she out on a date with Glenn? Is that why she’de home sote?


    Evangeline detected the edge in his voice but didn’t bother to respond to the implication. She kept her tone even. “Is there something you need?”


    Her refusal to exin only convinced Soren he was right. His irritation red again, and his fingers tightened around the book.