Chapter 333

Thaddeus's jaw dropped. "What did you just say?"

"Two days ago, there was an internal announcement at the hotel. President Ashbourne has been recalled to K Group headquarters, stepping down from her role as General Manager of the K Orld Hotel. Her new position will be determined later."

"And the hotel? What happens to it now?"

"An executive from K Orld Hotel's overseas branch will be reassigned here to take over the Elmsworth location."

The executive secretary thought of Evadne's tireless efforts and the unforgettable moments working alongside her. A satisfied smile curved her lips. "In less than a year, President Ashbourne turned this failing hotel around. She motivated the staff and achieved performance levels unseen in the past decade. Chairman Emeric is beyond pleased with her work. This recall was inevitable. With her talent, she belongs on a bigger stage—not confined to a single hotel. It would be a waste otherwise."

Thaddeus nodded in agreement.

His woman was extraordinary, capable of working miracles. Managing a mere hotel was beneath her.

Wait—that wasn’t the issue here!

The real issue was—why hadn’t Evadne told him about this?

"Where is President Ashbourne now?" Thaddeus demanded, urgency sharpening his tone.

The secretary chuckled. "How would I know her whereabouts? Mr. Thaddeus, with your influence, surely you’re not worried about finding her, are you?"

Thaddeus felt a pang of frustration.

Worried? He was practically pulling his hair out!

Skyrim, K Group Headquarters

The towering skyscraper of K Group stood proudly in the city’s most prestigious district, a landmark of power and wealth.

At three in the afternoon, employees peeked from their offices as a procession of suited executives hurried to the lobby.

News of the Ashbourne heiress’s arrival had spread like wildfire. Even the janitors knew.

"Wow, this reception is insane! Are all these people here just to greet her?"

"Even if she’s Chairman Emeric’s daughter, she’s not officially part of K Group’s leadership. Why the red carpet treatment?"

"Rumor has it she turned the Elmsworth hotel’s profits around tenfold in under a year. Chairman Emeric noticed. She’ll probably take a high-ranking position soon."

"Pfft. Who’s to say she did it alone? Maybe her brother pulled strings behind the scenes. A woman in her early twenties running a corporation? Doubtful."

"Shh—she’s here!"

In the lobby, executives stood in rigid formation, clad in identical black suits—a K Group tradition for welcoming dignitaries.

The Rolls-Royce halted at the entrance. Jason stepped out first, opening the door with practiced grace.

The first to emerge was Cassius, tall and imposing.

"Good afternoon, President!" Two executives bowed deeply.

Cassius acknowledged them with a nod before extending his hand toward the car, his lips curving into a doting smile.

"Evadne."

"Coming."

A pair of slender legs in black-and-gold heels stepped out, the hem of her skirt swaying with each movement. Her porcelain skin seemed to glow. Any man would feel his pulse quicken at the sight.

Evadne placed her hand in her brother’s as she descended.

"Good afternoon, Miss Ashbourne!"

She inclined her head slightly. "Apologies for the wait. It’s chilly out—let’s head inside."

The moment the siblings appeared, they commanded attention, drawing murmurs of admiration.

"She’s stunning. A thousand times more beautiful in person than on TV!"

"Even with President Cassius standing right there, I can’t take my eyes off her. She’s the kind of beauty who could make anyone fall for her."

Skepticism melted away the second Evadne stepped into view. Without lifting a finger, she’d already won over a crowd.

"Welcome, Miss Ashbourne!"

The executives bowed in unison as Evadne and Cassius strode forward, gazes fixed ahead.

"Would you like a tour of the headquarters first?" Cassius asked softly, his smile warm.

"Later. I want to see my new office." Evadne smirked, poking his arm discreetly.

Cassius’s eyes softened. "As you wish."

They moved toward the elevators, Jason trailing behind.

"My dear niece and nephew!"

The siblings turned.

A polished middle-aged man approached, grinning broadly, flanked by his secretary and subordinates.

"Uncle Bevis." Evadne offered a languid smile.

Bevis Ashbourne, Emeric’s younger brother and K Group’s vice-chairman, lacked his brother’s striking looks but exuded charm. Where Emeric was stern, Bevis was affable, always wearing a smile.

"Evadne! More breathtaking every time I see you!"

"You’ve aged remarkably well yourself, Uncle."

"Still as sweet as ever!"

Bevis turned to Cassius. "Showing Evadne her office? I heard from Emeric she’s joining the company. Which department? I’ve got time—I could give her a proper tour."

Cassius remained composed. "Father will decide her position. We’ll inform you once it’s settled."

"Ah, of course. Looking forward to it."

Bevis suddenly brightened. "Oh! Dolores left a gift for you in your office. Don’t forget to check it out."

Dolores, Bevis’s daughter and Evadne’s cousin, had always been close to her despite their infrequent meetings.

"How thoughtful of her." Evadne’s smile didn’t reach her eyes.

They continued toward the office.

"Miss Evadne, what’s that?" Jason pointed ahead.

Two massive wreaths adorned her office entrance. Passing employees whispered, stifling laughter.

"Uncle Bevis," Cassius said coldly, "is this Dolores’s idea of a welcome?"

Bevis’s smile faltered. The wreaths bore his daughter’s unmistakable signature.

"Ah, you know Dolores—straightforward as ever! In Oldrun, wreaths are traditional for celebrations."

"We’re not in Oldrun. Does she lack common sense?" Cassius retorted.

Evadne, surprisingly, waved it off. "Everyone has their customs. K Group employs thousands—we can’t cater to all."

Cassius nodded. "Evadne’s right."

Bevis’s irritation simmered. His daughter was an Ashbourne too, with equal standing in the company. Their condescension grated.

"Jason, remove these, please." Evadne sighed. "No offense, Uncle. I appreciate the gesture, but I’d hate for Dolores to be embarrassed by her… questionable taste."

Subordinates bit back laughter. Bevis’s smile turned rigid.

Inside the office, Evadne sank onto the couch, arms crossed. "Dolores is picking a fight before I’ve even started."

Cassius exhaled. "She’s been competing with you since kindergarten and never wins. At this point, it’s just pathetic."

"If she crosses me, family ties won’t save her." Her eyes darkened.

Cassius nodded. "You’ve never backed down. But remember—this is a different battlefield. Uncle Bevis has allies here. Father indulges him as his only brother. Tread carefully."

"I know."

Evadne’s gaze, deep and unreadable, hardened with resolve. "If they stay in line, we’ll coexist peacefully. But if they scheme against me, I won’t hesitate to destroy them."

Cassius arched a brow. "Little sister, don’t forget—Uncle Bevis is Vice Chairman."

Evadne lifted her chin. "And Father is Chairman. Who should be afraid of whom?"

"By the way," Cassius said suddenly, "did you tell Thaddeus you’re leaving the hotel?"

Evadne blinked, touching her lips. "Why would I? Who does he think he is?"

Cassius smirked. "Fair point."

Just then, her phone buzzed.

Her pulse jumped. Please don’t be him. The irony would be unbearable.

She checked the screen.

Avery’s name flashed back at her.

Cassius glanced at the phone, expressionless, though his brow twitched.

He’d have preferred Thaddeus.

"Ave?" Evadne answered neutrally.

"Evadne, I’m in Skyrim."

Avery’s voice was tender, the sound of sea breeze faint in the background. "You must be here too. Are you free? I’d like to see you."

Evadne checked her watch. "Now?"

"If you’re busy, I’ll wait. However long it takes."