Chapter 1594

No.1

Roman noticed too. Clutching his aching ribs, his vision darkened as he collapsed.

"Ah!" A colleague shrieked. "What's wrong with him?"

The meeting halted as they carried Roman to the lounge, debating an ambulance.

Xavier stepped forward. "He's from my department. I'll handle this. Resume the meeting."

He ushered everyone out—except Evelyn, who watched coldly.

When Roman came to, he struggled upright.

Xavier played uncharacteristically helpful. "Easy there. My family just called—my mother's unwell. My father left already..."

No.2

"Oh, he took my proposal with him. Said it was excellent."

Roman seized Xavier's collar. "That's my work!"

Xavier shrugged. "So? You gave it to Evelyn, who gave it to me."

He smirked at Evelyn. "You're so good to me. From now on, your word is law in our department."

Evelyn admitted she'd underestimated Xavier.

He wasn't just a spoiled heir—he had cunning too.

Stealing Roman's proposal, adapting swiftly, even driving a wedge between them.

No.3

"Evelyn would never betray me or ally with you!" Roman's chest heaved with rage.

As Kingsley Group's young madam, Evelyn had her reasons for staying at Horizon. Roman knew she'd never stoop to Xavier's level.

That Xavier and Wendy thought they could turn him against her was laughable.

They had no idea of Evelyn's background or influence.

That Kingsley's heir and Horizon's crown prince had clashed over her—yet she walked away unscathed.

"Xavier! How much more will you steal from me?" Roman roared.

Xavier shoved him back. "Steal from you? You're beneath me! Get lost before I make you."

No.4

He strutted toward the exit, pausing to leer at Evelyn. "You know how I feel—"

"Not interested," Evelyn cut in coldly. "Give up."

Public rejection before Roman made Xavier flush with humiliation. "Then stay out of my way!"

"Let me advise you too," Evelyn said icily. "What isn't yours will cost you doubly."

Xavier stormed out, slamming the door.

Evelyn turned to see Roman curled at his workstation like a wounded animal.

His silence was deafening.

No.5

She swallowed her questions. This was private. She'd only helped because his proposal had been exceptional.

During the car incident, Roman had maintained his dignity despite desperation.

At 1 PM, Xavier announced with smug triumph that his proposal had been approved.

"Brilliant, boss!" Wendy clapped obsequiously.

"What's the project? Are we traveling?" someone asked eagerly.

"Intangible Cultural Heritage." Xavier's gaze lingered on Roman. "All hands on deck. Pack tonight—we leave tomorrow."

He singled out Roman. "Prove yourself. Your probation depends on this."

No.6

Roman kept his head down.

Muffled snickers filled the office.

Everyone knew. The proposal was Roman's work, stolen by Xavier.

Even Evelyn, the newcomer, understood now.

How many others pretended not to see?

Evelyn couldn't have leaked it. That meant his only friendly coworker was Xavier's spy.

Forced to execute his own stolen idea while fighting for his job.

No.7

Xavier's cruelty knew no bounds.

At day's end, only Evelyn and Roman remained.

Passing his desk, she paused inexplicably. His isolation tugged at her.

"Still working?"

"N-no..." He fumbled with papers.