Chapter 1271

No.1

No response.

Just like always, the man remained conspicuously absent since yesterday's incident.

The silence shattered when Iris Cooper called. "Evelyn, we've decided to disband the fan club. But we'll always support you."

After hanging up, Evelyn noticed a new hire hovering before her.

"Ms. Sinclair..." The girl twisted her fingers. "I'd like to transfer departments..."

Evelyn remembered this intern's passionate interview speech about pursuing truth.

"Submit the paperwork." She approved the request with a click.

No.2

The girl scurried away like a pardoned criminal.

The office atmosphere grew heavier. Two more staff left before lunch.

"Ungrateful snakes!" Roman threw his chopsticks down. "Don't even think about coming back!"

A male colleague shrank in his seat. "It's just probation...if leadership changes..."

"You leaving too?" Roman narrowed his eyes.

"N-no!" The man waved his hands. "Something's fishy about this..."

Evelyn reentered with Xavier Stapleton trailing behind.

No.3

"Evelyn, only I can protect you now." Xavier smirked at the half-empty office. "Look around—everyone's abandoning you."

The male colleague across from Roman paled.

"Your poaching skills are impressive." Evelyn's smile didn't reach her eyes. "Saves me the trouble of weeding out weak links."

Xavier pressed on. "Your department's getting dissolved. Certain people—" he glanced pointedly at Roman, "—will be out on the street."

Roman shot to his feet.

"Easy." Evelyn restrained him and turned to Xavier. "Is rumor-mongering your specialty?"

Xavier stepped closer, undeterred. "The whole company's talking. Legal's already discussing your termination. Fired by Horizon, sued by Alexander Kingsley—your career—"

No.4

"And?"

"Let me protect you!" Xavier flashed a predatory grin. "I'm your only way out."

Roman rolled his eyes.

Xavier's arrogant rant was utterly ridiculous.

No one understood Alexander's possessiveness toward Evelyn better than him.

Though Alexander hadn't made a move yet, Roman knew the situation could reverse instantly if Evelyn willed it.

Xavier probably didn't even know who had beaten him last time.

No.5

"Evelyn, the termination notice has been posted in the company group chat." The legal officer strutted over with inexplicable smugness, waving a handover form. "Pack your things and leave within two days."

Xavier feigned sympathy. "No need to rush. Evelyn can temporarily transfer to my department."

"Some people just don't know when to quit," the legal officer sneered, eyeing Evelyn. "A public apology would've settled this, but you had to take it this far."

"Finished?" Evelyn's icy voice cut through. "Leave if you're done."

The legal officer turned livid. "Still acting tough after getting fired?"

Her gaze swept over Evelyn with insinuation. "Then again, some people do have the looks to get by."

Roman's knuckles whitened from clenching his fists.

No.6

"Wrong again." Evelyn chuckled. "I don't answer to anyone now. Not even Hugo Lee himself could make me hold my tongue."

Xavier's face darkened instantly.

The legal officer suddenly realized termination meant nothing to Evelyn.

"We have a meeting." Evelyn waved the handover form dismissively.

Roman stood abruptly, making Xavier stumble backward in alarm.

BANG!

The office door slammed shut.

No.7

"Horizon is firing me, and this department will dissolve." Evelyn addressed the two remaining staff members. "You still have time to transfer."

"I'm staying." Roman's voice was steel. "Even if it means getting fired too."

Evelyn studied him intently.

She knew Roman had ulterior motives for joining Horizon.

"I'll find another job," the other employee said pragmatically.

"Good." Evelyn made a solemn vow. "Today I, Evelyn Sinclair, swear this—when the time comes, I won't forget those who stood by me."