The CEO's Unplanned Heir novel Chapter 68

Aurelia made a quieting gesture. "That sort of talk is fine within the department, but don't let it reach up the ladder. Mr. Leopold is a stickler for professionalism and despises nepotism. He gave Ms. Evelyn a stern talking-to for calling him in such an intimate way after yesterday's meeting, and a lot of the higher-ups were present."

They thought they held all the cards, acting as if they owned the place and completely overlooking her. So when the time came for them to be taken down a peg, she wouldn't hesitate!

Sure enough, Emma deflated like a punctured beach ball, her bravado instantly halved.

Aurelia shot her a glance and continued, "During the Paris Jewelry Show, Mr. Leopold promised me an opportunity to compete for the director position if I succeeded. I'm going to give it my all and not let him down."

Just then, Evelyn waltzed in, having overheard a bit of the conversation.

This ignorant lackey dared to badmouth her behind her back. Once she ascended to the director's chair, Aurelia'd be the first one booted out.

"Sorry I'm late," she breezily said. "Got a bit carried away last night drinking with Mr. Leopold, reminiscing about old times. He offered me the day off, but I didn't want to delay work. Can't let the team down." She sauntered in, flipping her hair over her shoulder with an air of self-satisfaction.

Aurelia was taken aback. She remembered that Leopold had left late the night before, and he had gone to drink with Evelyn late into the night. His energy was impressive.

And alone, with alcohol fueling their interactions, who knew what might have happened!

Looking at her reflection in the glass partition of the office, she saw a flash of anger in her own eyes.

Suddenly, she couldn't tell if she was the one being cuckolded or if it was Elowen!

Seeing her backing had arrived, Emma regained her bluster. "Evelyn, you're our leader in the Design Department. We only recognize you. Those without qualifications or fame, dreaming of defeating you, are just daydreaming."

Aurelia scoffed. Emma had climbed her way up to team leader by sucking up to Kelly, so if anyone knew how to flatter, it was her.

"Enough, everyone gets back to work. Talk is cheap, we need to prove ourselves with sales."

Evelyn's lips curled into a smug grin. "Tomorrow's the weekend. I'm inviting everyone to a retreat near Moonlight Lake. We can have some fun and find inspiration."

"Great!" Emma chimed in enthusiastically, her face lighting up. Evelyn whispered something into her ear, and she nodded, a sly smile playing on her lips.