Save Her Lose Us (Evangeline and Soren) novel Chapter 74

Evangeline pulled into the parking lot outside UME's headquarters, killed the engine, and glanced up at the glass facade. As she stepped out, she spotted Glenn already waiting by the entrance.

She gave him a quick wave, and together they headed into the building.

The elevator doors slid open on their floor, and almost immediately, raised voices echoed down the hall.

"Did you hear? Mr. Carlisle's bringing in some newcomer today as head of the Tech Division?"

"That's not all. Word is, she's just a college grad—didn't even bother with grad school. And get this: she's been a stay-at-home wife for five years."

"A woman?" a man blurted, his tone incredulous. "A housewife who hasn't worked in half a decade, suddenly waltzing in as head of Tech? Has Mr. Carlisle lost it?"

Most of UME's employees boasted stellar resumes. Even those who hadn't studied at top international universities held PhDs or at least master's degrees from the best schools in the country. Some of them had vied for the department head position themselves, only to be passed over for someone who hadn't set foot in an office in years.

No wonder the mood was mutinous.

A quieter voice chimed in, "I looked over her résumé—she's one of Mr. Carlisle's old college friends. She's pretty, I'll give her that, but honestly, she's just trouble. People are saying Mr. Carlisle turned down that Fawkes Enterprises investment because of her."

"So she really is a femme fatale. This is outrageous!" The first man's voice grew louder, and he stomped out of the office, cheeks flushed with anger.

He barreled straight into Evangeline and Glenn in the corridor.

Evangeline had expected some backlash for being parachuted into the Tech Division's top job. But to have it explode like this on her very first day? She'd be lying if she said she wasn't embarrassed.

Glenn, on the other hand, looked unruffled, as if nothing about the situation surprised him.

He stepped forward, blocking the angry man's path, and said calmly, "If you have something to say, now's your chance."

"And what if I told you," Glenn said, voice steady, "that she was one of UME's original founders? The core technology we're using today—that's her legacy."

A stunned silence fell over the crowd as people exchanged uneasy glances and whispered among themselves.

Most of the current staff had joined after a major shakeup years earlier, so few recognized Evangeline.

Theo's eyes narrowed in confusion and disbelief as he stared at her.

He and the others had debated the origins of UME's tech countless times, always assuming it must have come from some veteran engineer. The idea that it was this young woman standing in front of them seemed impossible.

He finally managed, "Do you have the transfer authorization for the technology?"

Glenn glanced at Evangeline before replying, "There isn't one. She gave it to UME as a gift."