Chapter 26 – The Wall Around Her

Evelyn sat at her desk early the next morning, the city of Seoul still stretching itself into dawn. A faint mist clung to the windowpanes of the Drake Industries tower, the skyline softened in hazy blues and greys. She had always found early mornings calming, but today was different. Today, she had to put the next phase of her strategy into motion.

The list Alexander had handed her last night lay open on her desk, the names neatly typed and annotated. She had reviewed each profile twice before the sun even rose. Noah stepped into her office with a cup of ginger tea, which he wordlessly placed in front of her.

"I hear I've been volunteered for HR scouting," he said with a raised eyebrow.

Evelyn gave him a tight smile. "Alexander suggested I find an assistant. Someone trustworthy. I figured you'd know better than anyone who fits that bill."

"I do. Most of them are already buried in other departments. But let me make some calls. I have a shortlist in mind."

He plucked the paper from her desk and gave it a glance. "Some of these are solid. But I think you should meet someone who's not on this list. She used to work in Business Ops. Sharp. Quiet. Never gets caught in the political currents."

"What happened to her?"

"Transferred to Strategic Sourcing after ruffling Genevieve's feathers."

Evelyn stilled. That alone made the candidate sound promising.

"Fine. Set up a meeting. Today, if possible."

Meanwhile, Genevieve stalked through the Innovation Wing of Drake Industries, her heels clicking sharply across the polished stone. Her face was perfectly composed, but fury simmered just beneath the surface. Evelyn was moving too confidently. Too quietly. And that made her dangerous.

She stepped into the newly renovated Analytics Department, her eyes scanning the rows of cubicles until she found her target.

"Min-jun," she called sweetly.

The young analyst stood, adjusting his tie nervously. "Ms. Moreau."

"I need full access to the Q2 and Q3 financial breakdowns on the Hart campaigns. Expenses, cost per lead, revenue gains, international traction... all the works."

"Of course. Do you have a deadline in mind?"

"End of day."

He paled. "That may take longer."

"Not if you prioritize it. And keep it discreet."

Her smile was deadly. "If you have questions, direct them to me. Not marketing. Not Evelyn. Understand?"

Min-jun nodded hesitantly. Genevieve spun on her heel and swept out.

That afternoon, Evelyn met with the candidate Noah had mentioned. Her name was Hana Cho. Soft-spoken, meticulously organized, and sharp as a scalpel. Within fifteen minutes, Evelyn knew she had found the right person.

"You'll report directly to me," Evelyn said. "Confidentiality is key. I need someone who sees everything but speaks only when it matters."

"I understand," Hana said simply.

Noah stepped into the office as Hana departed, offering Evelyn a subtle thumbs up.

"Good choice," he said. "She doesn't talk much, but she listens to everything."

Evelyn took a breath. "I need eyes on Genevieve. And ears. Quiet ones."

"Hana can do that. But be careful. Genevieve isn't just circling. She's probing. She's looking for cracks."

Evelyn leaned back in her chair. "Then we make sure the walls around me are sealed."

Later that night, Evelyn and Alexander met briefly in the rooftop garden of the tower. A rare quiet space amidst the chaos.

"Did you find someone?" he asked.

"Her name is Hana. She's perfect."

Alexander looked satisfied. "Good. You need to be insulated."

Evelyn glanced out over the Seoul skyline. "Do you think Genevieve suspects the truth about us?"

"Not yet. But she will. That woman doesn't sleep."

Evelyn smiled faintly. "Then let's give her more things to keep her awake."

He stepped closer, brushing his hand against hers for just a moment. "You're not alone in this."

"I know. But I need to look like I am."

And with that, she turned back toward the glass doors, her shoulders squared, her steps steady.

The wall around her was building, brick by brick. And she was done being the target.