Chapter 136

Evelyn Sinclair was seething with barely contained rage.

How dare they ambush her like this?

Her fists clenched involuntarily, nails digging into her palms.

Lucas Sterling's presence beside her gave her courage.

"Excuse me, I'm not some celebrity who has to entertain your ridiculous questions. One more step and I'm calling security."

Her voice rang out sharp and unyielding.

Did they think she was some desperate starlet who'd cower before scandal?

"Let me make this crystal clear - Mr. Blackwood and Ms. Holloway deserve each other. As for her secret identity, that's as much a surprise to me as anyone. But accusing me without evidence? That's beyond absurd."

She paused dramatically.

"If Vanessa gets struck by lightning tomorrow, will you blame me for controlling the weather too?"

A few reporters couldn't suppress nervous chuckles at her sarcasm.

Evelyn took a steadying breath before delivering her final blow.

"From now on, keep my name out of your filthy tabloid stories about those two. And don't you dare try to use my reputation to boost your pathetic clickbait!"

With that, she turned on her heel and stormed off, leaving Lucas behind.

The reporters exchanged uneasy glances. Only the Sterling siblings would dare speak to the press like this. They shuffled awkwardly, unsure whether to pursue the story.

Lucas's lips curled into a dangerous smile. "No questions for me? Not even about my relationship with Evelyn? Or how I feel about Nathan's little scandal?"

Though it was exactly what they wanted to ask, the reporters knew better than to provoke Lucas Sterling. As they began dispersing, Lucas grabbed the lead journalist's arm.

"Leaving so soon?" His voice dropped to a threatening whisper.

The veteran reporter paled. "W-we have nothing else to ask, Mr. Sterling."

"Morning Chronicle, right?" Lucas's smile didn't reach his eyes. "Shall I call your editor? Maybe discuss how your rag will be blacklisted from every red carpet event this season?"

The other reporters scattered like frightened rabbits.

The lead journalist swallowed hard. "Alright! I'll talk!"

Lucas adjusted the man's collar with mock gentleness. "Smart choice. Cooperation ensures... future opportunities."

Through gritted teeth, the reporter confessed, "It was Sophia Blackwood."

Lucas's eyes turned glacial. Leaning in, he whispered instructions that made the reporter blanch. When the man hesitated, Lucas scoffed. "Unwilling? Plenty of other outlets would jump at this exclusive."

"I'll do it!" The reporter agreed hastily, knowing refusal meant career suicide. He bitterly regretted taking Sophia's bribe.

Lucas shoved a check into the man's pocket. "Consider this an advance. And remember - if I see Evelyn's name in your gutter press again..."

The reporter dared one final question. "What exactly is your relationship with Ms. Sinclair?"

Lucas's gaze turned predatory. "I protect what's mine. You figure out the rest."

The man fled without another word.

With a satisfied smirk, Lucas picked up Evelyn's dropped phone and strolled back upstairs.

He found her dressed for work. "Still here?" she asked coolly.

Lucas flicked her forehead. "Ungrateful brat." He tossed her the phone. "Hire security. You're not some nobody anymore - keep that fire you showed downstairs."

Evelyn snatched the phone and dialed Horizon Media's CEO right in front of him.

"Dominic? I don't care what it costs. I want Nathan Blackwood exposed as a cheating bastard and Vanessa Holloway's reputation in ruins. Make it trend for three days straight."