Chapter 125

Dominic Kingsley was thrilled to hear that Evelyn Sinclair would be visiting personally and immediately gave her a call.

"President Sinclair, please bring that little troublemaker Leo with you when you come. The whole team misses him terribly."

Evelyn chuckled. "Absolutely! Consider it done."

This arrangement worked perfectly for Evelyn. She could use Leo to charm the Kingsley Tech team while keeping herself entertained during the visit.

The evening found Evelyn still buried in paperwork when the city lights flickered to life, stars beginning to dot the darkening sky.

She stretched her stiff muscles and reached for her designer handbag. Noticing the light still on in Alexander Sterling's office, a pang of guilt struck her. As CEO, she had it much easier compared to her overworked older brother.

Evelyn knocked lightly before peeking inside, finding Alexander still engaged in a video conference. He listened intently to the foreign executive's report, effortlessly catching every critical detail in the rapid-fire discussion. Spotting her, he gestured to a chair without breaking his professional demeanor.

She playfully stuck out her tongue before obediently taking a seat, quietly observing the meeting. From what she gathered, Blackwood Enterprises seemed to be facing significant challenges.

When the call finally ended, Alexander disconnected with a tap. Evelyn looked up, curiosity evident in her expression.

"Is our European division launching products similar to Blackwood's?"

Alexander nodded. "Same quality, but we're undercutting their prices. They won't survive this competition."

The targeted business strategy was unmistakable. Evelyn's brow furrowed slightly.

"Blackwood Enterprises issued a public apology today."

"I know. Father and I read it. But words mean nothing compared to the damage Nathan Blackwood caused you." Alexander's gaze sharpened. "Eric's clever though - their stock stabilized immediately after the apology. This minor dip means nothing to them."

Evelyn's lips thinned. "Thinking I'll go easy on them? Never." Her heart had turned to steel, impervious to softening.

"It's not just personal. Our European market share has always been split with Blackwood. This is our chance to dominate." Alexander leaned forward. "Don't forget - you're the one who broke into Europe first. You built Sterling Corporation's presence there single-handedly, making us the premier Montecito brand. Blackwood merely copied your blueprint."

His words struck a chord. Evelyn fell silent as memories flooded back. She'd nearly forgotten her own accomplishments.

In the cutthroat business world, morality took a backseat to opportunity. Within legal bounds, competition was fair game.

The past three years had made her lose sight of her worth. She'd once conquered Europe, establishing Sterling Corporation as the dominant force. That was her legacy.

Recalling these achievements reignited a fire within her.

The following evening found Evelyn alone at the private airport terminal. In the VIP lounge, her eyes immediately found the striking figure by the window - a man whose quiet intensity and effortless elegance made others instinctively respect him.

She crept up behind him and covered his eyes. "Guess who?"

The man sighed but didn't resist as she wrapped him in a bear hug. "Evelyn Mae Sinclair."

This was Donovan Sterling - world-renowned physicist, Breakthrough Prize winner at seventeen, whose groundbreaking papers were published in elite journals and revered by the scientific community.

Perhaps because his professional brilliance overshadowed everything else, few bothered to investigate his background. The scientific prodigy was, in fact, William Sterling's second son.

Donovan examined his sister critically before reaching out to touch her forehead.

Evelyn flinched away. "What was that for?"

"You got hurt?" His expression darkened.

"Just bumped into a doorframe," she lied smoothly.

Donovan accepted this with a nod. "Clumsy as ever."

As they walked, Donovan casually asked, "Heard you got married?"

Having spent five years abroad on classified research projects, he only occasionally exchanged messages with Lucas during rare breaks. Clearly, Evelyn's marriage had been a family scandal.

He produced a black credit card from his pocket. "All my prize money. Consider it a wedding gift."

The sum was astronomical. Since childhood, Donovan had always given his winnings to his little sister.

Evelyn blinked. "Actually, I just got divorced."

"Then it's a divorce gift." Donovan adjusted his designer suitcase, his face betraying no emotion whatsoever.