Chapter 116

Meanwhile, the images from Sterling Corporation's centennial celebration had already sent shockwaves across social media.

Evelyn Sinclair's face illuminated the massive digital billboard atop the Aurora Tower, broadcasting her true identity to the entire city.

[OMG this is insane! A billionaire heiress marries beneath her station in disguise, then reveals she's actually the wealthiest woman in the country after their divorce?!]

[This is straight out of a telenovela!]

[The Blackwoods are disgusting! Thinking they could bully Evelyn and hiring trolls to attack her online? Have they no shame?]

[Evelyn's comeback is legendary!]

[YAAAS QUEEN! Evelyn Sinclair slays!]

[I just drove through downtown and saw Evelyn's face on every skyscraper! She's outshining all those A-list actresses fighting for ad space. This is iconic!]

[Evelyn is @BillionDollarBabe?! That handle is everything! How is she this perfect?!]

Inside the gala, Evelyn's extravagant $800 million gesture didn't repel the crowd - it moved them deeply. Everyone could see how genuinely she valued every Sterling Corporation employee.

As murmurs of admiration spread through the hall, Evelyn's gaze casually found Old Master Blackwood. A subtle smirk played on her lips.

"Speaking of generosity," Evelyn continued smoothly, "at last month's charity auction, I acquired an emerald pipe from the Blackwood collection."

She paused dramatically as color drained from the old man's face.

"Chairman Blackwood, I've decided-"

"Wait!" The patriarch interrupted desperately. He could endure the humiliation of Evelyn's deception, but losing the family heirloom was unthinkable. "That pipe is a Blackwood treasure. Name your price - I'll pay ten times its value plus compensation."

The offer - $300 million for a $30 million artifact - would tempt most. But Evelyn Sinclair wasn't most people.

The entire room held its breath as Evelyn's starry eyes sparkled with amusement.

"Chairman Blackwood," she purred, "when one has my resources, petty cash becomes meaningless. This artifact's historical significance transcends monetary value."

She gestured gracefully toward a distinguished gentleman. "Which is why I'm donating it to the National Museum. This way, everyone can appreciate its legacy - far more meaningful than gathering dust in your private collection."

The museum director accepted the priceless artifact with solemn gratitude. As he departed with his prize, William Sterling watched his daughter with immense pride.

Old Master Blackwood trembled with impotent rage. Evelyn had checkmated him perfectly - no private collector would dare reclaim a national treasure.

"Let's go!" he barked, turning on his heel.

But William Sterling's voice stopped him cold. "One moment, Chairman Blackwood..."

Father and daughter approached together, their matching smiles razor-sharp.