Chapter 35 – Smokescreens

Monday morning brought an icy chill to the sleek halls of Drake Industries, despite the warm spring sun outside. Evelyn walked with steady purpose, her heels clicking rhythmically as she moved through the glass double doors of the executive floor. She had spent the entire weekend cross-referencing internal systems, compiling Hana's findings, and running the forensics Noah had secured. Now she was armed.

And ready.

Across the floor, Genevieve leaned back in her chair, legs crossed, eyes half-lidded as she laughed at something one of the board members said. She looked perfectly composed, chic in a dove-gray pantsuit, a soft wave in her hair, every movement slow and deliberate. The perfect illusion of a woman in control.

But Evelyn wasn't fooled.

The department meeting was scheduled for ten. By 9:58 a.m., the room was full. Senior managers. Analysts. Even a few from Finance. Alexander hadn't confirmed if he would attend, but his silence didn't mean he wasn't watching.

Evelyn entered the boardroom last, carrying a thin leather folder and a quiet storm in her chest. As she stood at the head of the table, every conversation died down. She didn't smile. She didn't need to.

"I'd like to begin with a quick audit review," she said, voice even, controlled. "A few discrepancies were recently brought to my attention, specifically surrounding projected marketing expenditures."

Several eyes darted toward Genevieve. She sat stone-faced.

Evelyn clicked the remote, and the screen behind her lit up. Side-by-side comparisons of line items. Approval logs. Time stamps. "These inconsistencies were submitted under my name. But as you'll see here, the metadata points to a different user login."

She clicked again. Genevieve's login credentials appeared on the screen.

A few audible gasps filled the room. Even Linda, who had been unusually quiet since her return from her brief leave, shifted uncomfortably in her seat.

"I'm not accusing anyone. Yet," Evelyn continued. "But I believe we have a responsibility to ensure transparency. I've submitted this to internal audit and, pending further review, all budget authority will temporarily pass through my office."

The room buzzed with nervous whispers. Genevieve, finally, spoke.

"This is absurd. Anyone could have spoofed a login. I've been in this business long enough to know how easily systems can be manipulated."

"You're right," Evelyn replied calmly. "Which is why I worked with IT and security over the weekend. Your login wasn't used remotely. It was entered from the terminal in your own office."

Genevieve's jaw tightened. Claudia, seated at the far end of the room, said nothing. But her narrowed eyes revealed she was silently reassessing the field.

Before anyone else could speak, the door opened and Alexander Drake walked in.

His presence silenced the room instantly.

"Don't stop on my account," he said, his voice like cool steel. He took a seat near the end of the table but said nothing further, instead turning his eyes directly to Evelyn, then to the display.

Evelyn inhaled slowly. "That concludes my update."

Genevieve stood. "If we're going to throw around accusations..."

"No one has been accused," Alexander cut in. "Yet. But if the data points to misconduct, the company will act accordingly. I assume a report is being filed?"

"Yes," Evelyn confirmed.

"Then let the report speak."

Genevieve's nostrils flared, but she nodded and sat.

As the meeting adjourned, most exited with murmured conversation. Genevieve lingered by the coffee station. Her hands trembled slightly as she refilled her cup.

Evelyn approached slowly.

"Don't mistake silence for surrender," Genevieve said without turning.

"I don't," Evelyn replied. "But I also don't mistake you for the kind of threat you once were."

Genevieve turned then, eyes glittering. "You think this ends with a budget review? I've survived boardroom coups in New York. I'm not afraid of you."

Evelyn stepped closer, her voice low. "Then you haven't been paying attention."

With that, she turned and walked away, leaving Genevieve alone in the echoing tension of the room.

The war wasn't over but the tide was shifting.

Later that afternoon, Evelyn stood by the tall windows of her office, watching the city bustle below. Seoul's skyline gleamed in the afternoon sun, a contrast to the cold battle waging behind the company's polished walls. She let out a slow breath.

A soft knock on her door. Hana stepped inside with a cautious smile and a steaming cup of tea. "I figured you could use this."

"Thank you," Evelyn said, accepting it with a grateful nod.

"I checked with IT again," Hana added. "They've locked Genevieve's access to the project budget folders for now. Officially, it's to 'maintain system integrity during the investigation.'"

Evelyn smirked faintly. "Good. Let her stew."

"She's not taking it well," Hana said quietly. "I heard her on the phone earlier. She's… panicking."

"I want to believe the data will speak for itself," Evelyn murmured. "But we both know how politics work around here. She's not done. Not yet."

Hana hesitated. "Have you told Alexander everything?"

Evelyn looked out the window again. "Not everything. He knows enough for now."

The younger woman studied her for a moment. "You're stronger than you know, Evelyn."

Evelyn smiled, soft and worn but real. "I hope I remember that the next time she tries to sink me."

Down the hall, Claudia cornered Genevieve in her office.

"You promised subtlety," Claudia hissed.

Genevieve whipped around. "I didn't think she'd get that far. I covered my tracks."

"Well, apparently not well enough. If Alexander hadn't walked in when he did, the whole department might've called for your resignation on the spot."

Genevieve's jaw clenched. "She won't win. Not long-term. Alexander might be intrigued now, but that won't last. She's not one of us."

"She is for now," Claudia said sharply. "And she's more dangerous than you gave her credit for. Don't underestimate her again."

Genevieve's hands curled into fists.

Back in her office, Evelyn sat at her desk, sipping the now-warm tea. She thought of her first days at Drake, of trying to remain invisible, of all the whispered doubts and dismissals.

Now, she had a seat at the table and she had no intention of giving it up.

No matter who tried to push her out.