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The crystal chandelier overhead hummed with a low, electric frequency that vibrated straight through Evelyn’s teeth. Below, the ballroom was a sea of glittering silk, pressed linen, and expensive champagne. Two hundred guests—her colleagues, her father’s business associates, people who had sent silver trays and crystal decanters—were laughing, turning their heads expectantly toward the grand staircase. / Chapter 16 / 30

Chapter 16 - The Horizon of Carter & VanceThe success of the downtown waterfront project propelled Carter & Vance into international acclaim. Architectural digests across Europe and North America featured Evelyn Carter on their cover, praising her innovative design philosophy—a signature blend of striking structural resilience and organic, natural flow.

One evening, after wrapping up a late strategy meeting with Marcus, Evelyn walked out of her office into the quiet hush of the executive floor.

“You’re working too late again, Evelyn,” Marcus noted, grabbing his trench coat from the coat rack near the door. “The grand opening gala for the waterfront park is tomorrow night. You need to sleep.”

Evelyn smiled, slipping her tablet into her leather briefcase. “I’m just putting the finishing touches on our international expansion proposal for the London and Zurich branches. If we’re going to open European offices, our foundation has to be airtight.”

Marcus chuckled, shaking his head in admiration. “You never stop, do you? From the ashes of a ruined wedding straight to a global empire. I sometimes forget you’re human.”

“I’m very human, Marcus,” Evelyn replied, her eyes softening with a gentle, genuine warmth. “That’s why I know when to build walls, and when to let the sunlight in.”

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“Well, make sure that sunlight includes a tuxedo and a glass of champagne tomorrow night,” Marcus said, waving as he headed toward the elevator. “Goodnight, Evelyn.”

“Goodnight, Marcus.”

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