Chapter 114

The moment William Sterling's words echoed through the grand ballroom, an eerie silence descended.

Every guest stood frozen, as if struck by lightning.

Outside, the towering digital billboards across the city flickered to life, displaying Evelyn Sinclair's radiant face against the night sky. The Sterlings wanted the world to witness their princess's triumphant return.

Old Master Blackwood's face turned ashen, his wrinkled hands trembling against his cane.

Nathan Blackwood stood rigid, his piercing gaze locked on the woman he'd once dismissed. The truth hit him like a freight train.

Sophia and Margaret Blackwood weren't as composed. "This is absurd!" Margaret shrieked, her shrill voice cutting through the silence. "She's just some penniless orphan we took in!"

"Silence!" Old Master Blackwood thundered, his voice shaking with barely contained rage.

William Sterling ignored the outburst, his commanding presence filling the room. "Furthermore," he announced, "I'm transferring my entire 60% stake in Sterling Corporation to Evelyn."

Gasps rippled through the crowd.

"Effective immediately, Evelyn Sinclair will assume control as CEO and my sole successor."

The revelation sent shockwaves through the elite gathering. The woman they'd mocked as a gold-digger now stood as one of the wealthiest heiresses in the country.

Alexander Sterling stepped forward, his calm demeanor contrasting with the electrified atmosphere. "To celebrate my sister's homecoming," he declared, "I'm gifting her 10% of my personal shares."

The crowd held its breath.

"With 70% controlling interest, Evelyn becomes Sterling Corporation's undisputed leader. As her brother, I pledge my full support to her vision."

Evelyn maintained her composure, though her mind reeled. Alexander had never mentioned this staggering gift. The weight of an empire now rested on her shoulders - a golden burden she hadn't anticipated.

Thunderous applause erupted, shaking the crystal chandeliers. The media frenzy reached fever pitch as reporters clamored for comments.

One bold journalist shouted above the din, "Ms. Sinclair! How do you respond to the online rumors? Does your divorce signal the end of Sterling-Blackwood business relations?"

Nathan's jaw tightened, his stormy eyes fixed on his ex-wife.

Evelyn met the question head-on, her voice clear and measured. "Let me clarify - our marriage was never a business arrangement. I entered it under false pretenses, hiding my true identity."

A hush fell over the room.

"That youthful mistake belongs to me alone. This divorce represents my commitment to walk the correct path forward."

Her gaze swept across the Blackwood family, lingering on Nathan. A knowing smile played on her lips. "Perhaps if they'd known who I truly was, we might have avoided this entire spectacle."

She straightened her shoulders, radiating quiet strength. "I'm eternally grateful for my father's name and this platform to set the record straight. Not everyone gets such an opportunity."