Chapter 332

Nathan's eyes darkened. "She won't settle for anything less than perfection. If Evelyn sets her sights on something, she obliterates the competition, leaving no chance for retaliation. That's why we need to strike first—Alexa must be ours before she makes a move."

Murmurs of doubt rippled through the room. If even Blackwood Industries couldn't secure Alexa, how could Evelyn Carter possibly succeed?

"I want a full dossier on Alexa by tonight—not her professional achievements, but her personal life," Nathan commanded, preparing to dismiss the meeting.

Just then, the head of design spoke up hesitantly. "Mr. Blackwood, I can provide extensive details about Alexa's work, but as for her personal life... there's only one thing I can confirm."

Nathan turned sharply. "And that is?"

"She's a woman."

The next morning, after wrapping up her team meeting, Evelyn strode back into her office.

"Theodore, I'm starving. Order me fried chicken and beer—extra crispy, and make it quick." She flopped into her chair, booting up a game on her computer.

"Ms. Evelyn, how can you be so relaxed?" Theodore stared at her, exasperated. "It's crunch time, and you're craving junk food? I'm so stressed I could spontaneously combust. Isabella Wang's team is hunting for a top-tier jewelry designer, and Blackwood Industries is definitely making moves. Why aren’t you worried? You rejected every proposal from our team, insisting on hiring Alexa. Everyone knows Alexa is practically a myth! We’re on a deadline—how are we supposed to pull this off?"

Evelyn smirked, fingers flying across her keyboard. "If we can't get Alexa, neither can they. No need to panic."

"But—"

A video call notification flashed on her screen.

Theodore moved to leave, but Evelyn waved him back. "Stay. It's just a friend."

She accepted the call, and a striking blonde woman with piercing blue eyes appeared.

"Long time no see, Giselle."

"Actually, Nathan Blackwood, CEO of Blackwood Industries, just reached out. He wants Alexa to come out of retirement to design for them." Giselle delivered the news in flawless French.

Evelyn arched a brow. "Nathan personally contacted you? That must’ve bruised his ego."

"Doesn’t matter who asks. My answer stays the same."

Evelyn leaned forward, resting her chin on her palm, eyes twinkling. "But what if I were the one asking? As Alexa’s right hand, could you make an exception, Giselle?"

Theodore’s jaw dropped. So this was why Evelyn had been so confident—she had an inside connection to Alexa’s inner circle!

But Giselle’s next words sent his mind reeling.

She rolled her eyes, a playful smirk tugging at her lips. "Stop teasing me, Ms. Alexa. Do you know how hard it’s been to track you down?"

Ms. Alexa?

Theodore’s brain short-circuited.

Evelyn Carter… was Alexa? The legendary, reclusive jewelry designer the entire industry worshipped?