With Dark Hunter's overwhelming army of trolls, the negative reviews were suppressed for the time being.
Netizens, prone to herd mentality, quickly spread the hype from person to person.
A wave of imitation designs inspired by Oliver swept across the Internet, unexpectedly becoming the hottest trend of recent days.
As Oliver watched the flood of praise online, she quickly became carried away with pride.
"You handled this well."
Oliver glanced at her male assistant, knowing RK's operations were behind it.
"Miss Howard, you're too kind. I'm simply doing my duty."
He had earned a substantial sum from this project.
"Your bonus for this month will be doubled. You can leave early today...I need to go see Rayan."
Oliver waved her hand dismissively, her mood visibly lifted.
"Thank you, Miss Howard. I'll take my leave then."
After the assistant left, Oliver sat before the mirror, touched up her makeup, and dressed beautifully before heading to meet Rayan.
She had completely transformed from her usual innocent image, adopting a style reminiscent of Evelyn.
She even applied fiery red lipstick, blending innocence with a touch of allure.
It was precisely this quality that had kept Rayan thinking of Evelyn all these years.
Rayan was busy at the moment. Upon hearing that Oliver had arrived, he merely instructed his assistant to let her in--without so much as an extra glance.
Oliver moved closer, addressing him affectionately, "Rayan!"
"Rayan, have you seen the recent news? Everyone online is calling me a genius designer! My career has truly reached its peak!"
She deliberately opened her phone and held up a widely shared Twitter post in front of Rayan, hoping for his praise.
Rayan frowned slightly, clearly displeased, but he still offered a couple of perfunctory compliments.
"Hmm, not bad."
The praise was there, but it lacked sincerity.
Oliver didn't let it dampen her spirits. She tossed her phone aside, feigned a stumble, and landed right on Rayan's lap.
Her arms wrapped around his neck like vines.
She mimicked her sister's mannerisms, radiating charm before his eyes.
Her eyes narrowed seductively, her breath light and fragrant.
"Rayan, don't you think I look beautiful today?"
Rayan froze for a moment. After all, they were sisters, and from certain angles their aura was strikingly similar.
But he quickly snapped out of it, roughly yanking her arms away and pushing her off his lap.
"Oliver, what are you doing?"
She pouted, looking slightly aggrieved.
"Rayan, don't you like me like this? Sister once said you and I are a perfect match!"
Her true intentions were becoming painfully obvious.
Rayan slammed his fist on the table, his anger boiling over.
"Enough! Do you even know what you're saying?"
"Rayan, my sister really said that! If she ever left, she told me to keep you company..."
Rayan slammed the table again. "I said enough! I never want to hear such words again. Out of respect for you being Evelyn's sister--get out!"
Oliver remained motionless, her mouth opening as if to speak.
She had meticulously planned everything...how could it all fall apart like this?
Whatever she did, Rayan always tolerated it. Wasn't that love?
As Oliver stood frozen, Rayan abruptly called out to his assistant.
"Simon, escort Miss Howard out! She is forbidden from entering my office without permission from now on."
After dismissing Oliver, Rayan's mood soured.
He set aside his work, intending to take a brief break.
"Simon, brew me a cup of coffee."
"Okay, Sir."
Rayan moved to the nearby sofa and closed his eyes to rest.
The coffee was brewed quickly. Rayan took a sip but frowned.
"What brand of coffee beans did you use? The flavor's off."
The assistant, noticing his boss's unsettled expression, could only tell the truth.
"I used the beans from the cabinet. Let me make you a fresh cup."
"Forget it. You can't even make a proper cup of coffee."
Rayan set the cup down, feeling unexpectedly irritated.
It suddenly dawned on him that, in the past, Hazel had personally ground the beans and stored them in his office.
Whenever she came by, Rayan would always pretend not to notice her--yet he took her care for granted.
Like the perfect temperature of his coffee, or the incense she lit during breaks.
Hazel had quietly taken care of these things without ever seeking recognition.
"Sir, would you like to take a break in the lounge?"
Simon, noticing his boss's weary expression, spoke up carefully.
Rayan responded with a grunt. "Go tidy up the break room for me."
"Understood."
This time, the assistant dared not make another mistake and meticulously arranged everything in the lounge.
Rayan stepped inside, but the incense by the bed remained unlit.
An inexplicable wave of irritation washed over him.
"What's wrong with you? Can't you even handle basic tasks properly?"
Simon looked slightly aggrieved. "Sir, previously, Madam personally handled these matters. I--"
"Is that your excuse? Couldn't you have asked?"
Simon paused, then pulled out his phone and dialed Hazel's number, deliberately putting it on speaker.
Hazel was chatting with the staff in a studio when the call came in. Seeing the caller ID, she answered anyway.
She stepped aside to avoid being overheard.
"Simon, what is it?"
"Madam, I wanted to ask where the items commonly used in Sir's office are stored. I hope I'm not disturbing you."
Hazel hummed in acknowledgment, then proceeded to describe every detail of the routine she had performed countless times before.
At the end, she emphasized one point:
"Don't call me Madam. I'm divorced now."
Simon cautiously looked at his boss's expression. Initially melancholy, it darkened immensely upon hearing the word divorce.
He dared not say another word, lest he face another scolding after hanging up.
"Oh, and his stomach isn't great. After social engagements, make sure someone prepares hangover soup for him. Add extra sugar...he can't stand bitterness."
Hazel gave a bitter smile. The past version of herself had really been like a personal maid.
Even so, it hadn't earned her a shred of his genuine affection.
"That's all. If you have any questions, feel free to call me again."
"Alright, thank you. Madam--thank you."
The moment the word left his mouth, Hazel decisively hung up--without a trace of hesitation.
Simon tucked his phone away, the air growing heavy.
Rayan's frown deepened. Why had he never noticed that woman's quiet concern before?
"Sir, I've taken note of everything Madam mentioned. I'll be mindful from now on."
Simon immediately realized his slip in addressing her.
To his surprise, his boss didn't seem to mind. Instead, he muttered under his breath:
"That woman walked away with nothing. I wonder if she can even afford to live now."
