HOW DO I GET PAST THE RECEPTIONIST?

Short answer, you don't. But she can still be coaxed into being a tiny bit more helpful.

You will need to catch her in a lie.

She denies knowing anyone called Evan Holliday, but you can prove otherwise.

From the fountain outside, take the promotional envelope addressed to Evan.

Talk to her about the envelope.

Talk to her again about her boss, and she'll be more willing to cooperate.

Eventually, you will need to talk about everyone in your inventory to get what you want. Indirectly anyway.

She's left something for you on the table behind you.