Chapter 104

The Blackwood patriarch was determined to ruin Evelyn Sinclair's reputation, making it impossible for her to continue working at Sterling Corporation.

Does he really think I'll grovel and accept a managerial position in some insignificant subsidiary under the Blackwood Group? The audacity of that old man!

Evelyn scoffed.

"Mr. Blackwood, I have no interest in your family's charity. Save it for someone more desperate."

"Evelyn, don't push me," the elder Blackwood threatened, his voice laced with irritation. "Must you be so stubborn?"

The amusement faded from Evelyn's face.

"You should be the one worrying about regrets, Mr. Blackwood."

She couldn't wait to see the look on his face when he realized his mistake. If he wanted to play dirty, she wouldn't hold back.

After ending the call, she dialed Alexander Sterling.

"Big Brother, when is Dad arriving?"

Alexander chuckled. "Miss him already?"

"His flight lands tomorrow. Don’t worry, I’ll arrange for someone to escort you home."

"No, I want to pick him up myself!"

Let them think I'm hiding in shame. I'll prove them wrong.

Alexander hesitated. "But the media—"

He was worried about her safety.

"I'll bring security and extra cars. If that’s what you want, I’ll make it happen. By the way, how’s Lucas treating you?"

Evelyn laughed. "That petty brat! He trashed my apartment and complained I didn’t clean up. And his cooking? Disastrous!"

Lucas, who had just walked into the living room holding Leo, glared at her. "You blew through $800 million in one afternoon and still have the nerve to call me petty? Evelyn Sinclair, you’re asking for a beating!"

He lunged at her, and Evelyn flipped over the couch, shouting into the phone, "Gotta run, Alex!"

Alexander laughed, his tension easing. His sister was tougher than he’d given her credit for.

The next day, Evelyn dressed carefully for her father’s arrival. She wore a sleek black dress with delicate pearls, her makeup understated yet elegant. She looked poised, confident, and unshaken.

To distract the reporters swarming outside, Lucas made a grand exit through the front door, sunglasses perched on his nose. The media immediately swarmed him.

"Lucas! Are you and Evelyn really living together?"

"Is the scandal true? Are you two dating?"

The rumors of their secret cohabitation were even juicier than the original scandal. While the reporters were preoccupied, Evelyn slipped out through a side exit, baseball cap and mask in place, and slid into the car Alexander had sent.

Bennett was waiting for her. As she settled in, she removed her jacket and touched up her lipstick.

"Vice President Sinclair, we’re all relieved to see you’re doing well."

Evelyn smiled, touched by his concern. Despite their short time working together, their bond was strong.

"Bennett, I’ve arranged gifts for the company anniversary. They’re stored at the warehouse—I’ll send you the details. Distribute them to the staff."

"Of course, ma’am."

He had no idea those "small gifts" totaled $800 million.

At the airport, Evelyn headed straight for the VIP arrivals while Bennett handled security.

"Nikki!"

She turned at the familiar voice. William Sterling waved at her, dressed in a white baseball cap and beige casual wear, looking decades younger than his age.

Evelyn’s eyes lit up, and she ran to him.

William swept her into a hug, spinning her around. "My precious girl, you’ve lost weight!"

She laughed. "I haven’t! Lucas keeps calling me fat."

"Don’t listen to him." William studied her, satisfied, before his expression darkened. "Those Blackwoods are nothing but trouble."