Chapter 361

Evelyn told Gabrielle not to inform the other two team members. It wasn't about distrust, but operational security - the fewer people involved, the better.

After briefing Nathaniel, he immediately reached out to the competition organizers. Within minutes, they granted Evelyn access to the security footage. The prime suspect? The fruit delivery person. Further investigation revealed this staff member was an impostor.

The culprit wore a hat and deliberately avoided facing cameras. Identification seemed impossible.

Evelyn accepted her bad luck.

The organizers quickly offered a new green room, but Evelyn chose solitude.

Charlotte offered to stay, but Evelyn declined, needing space to think.

With a concerned glance, Charlotte followed Gabrielle and the others to the new room.

When the team learned what happened, the atmosphere turned heavy.

Gabrielle drowned in guilt. "This is all my fault. I should've been more careful."

Though barely knowing Gabrielle, Charlotte believed her innocence - Evelyn had shared her computer password willingly. "This was planned sabotage," Charlotte reassured. "Even if you'd guarded the computer, they'd have found another way."

"But-"

"Evelyn's suffering most right now. Pregnant, pouring her soul into this competition, putting her career on hold. We need to stay strong and support whatever decision she makes next."

Three solemn nods confirmed their agreement.

As competition time approached,

Evelyn's digital work had vanished.

Though the designs lived in her mind, recreating them seemed impossible.

A calm thought struck her: "Could I present without sketches?"

The door burst open suddenly.

Nathaniel stood there, urgency in his eyes.

Evelyn turned, surprised. "Nathaniel? What are you doing here?"

Her voice was soft, face pale with resignation.

Without words, Nathaniel entered, closed the door, and pulled her into a gentle embrace.

The gesture nearly broke Evelyn. She'd been managing her emotions until then.

His warmth melted her composure.

"I've handled everything," Nathaniel murmured. "Samuel's tracking the impostor and bringing in a tech expert to recover your files. No competition delays. Don't worry."

Evelyn nodded weakly. "Is this... convenient for you?"

Nathaniel chuckled. "You're worrying about my convenience now? Clearly you're not stressed enough."

Evelyn sighed. "What's done is done. I just feel terrible for the team - all their hard work possibly wasted. Losing fair and square is one thing, but sabotage before we even compete? That stings."