Chapter 145
The comment section beneath the viral article exploded with outrage.
"This mistress is a complete psychopath!"
"That homewrecker tried to murder his ex-wife? What kind of monster is she? Who does she think she is?"
"Mr. Blackwood must be blind! This cheap mistress isn't fit to lick Evelyn's boots! His taste in women is truly appalling."
"Blackwood Enterprises' stock took quite a hit, didn't it?"
The next trending topic featured Lucas Sterling enjoying the drama unfold online.
Using his verified account, Lucas reposted Horizon Media's explosive report.
His caption read: "Karma's a bitch! @EvelynSinclair I know you're too classy for this, but let me fan the flames for you!"
"OMG is this Lucas publicly declaring his love for Evelyn?" "Let's all add fuel to the fire! Team Evelyn!"
"Everyone knows Lucas has a crush on Evelyn, but this feels so extra. Hilarious though!"
"Credit to Lucas for having good taste, but our CEO Evelyn should remain the ultimate independent queen!"
Lucas's public stance was clearly an act of protection and undisguised favoritism toward Evelyn.
This was unprecedented in celebrity culture.
Had Lucas been just another actor, his comments wouldn't have caused such a stir.
But Lucas Sterling was Hollywood royalty.
His every word carried weight.
The moment he spoke, his millions of followers rallied behind Evelyn.
Naturally, Vanessa and Nathan faced even harsher backlash.
Evelyn smirked, thinking they deserved every bit of it.
Blackwood Enterprises' stock dip, while significant, barely made a dent in the family's fortune.
Evelyn had long stopped caring about them.
Three hours later, Blackwood Enterprises issued a statement.
"Mr. Nathan Blackwood and Ms. Vanessa Holloway maintain a strictly professional relationship. Our company will pursue all legal avenues to protect Mr. Blackwood's reputation."
They attached a cease-and-desist letter.
Their efforts to control the narrative failed spectacularly.
Their PR team was embarrassingly incompetent.
When news broke about Evelyn's near-death experience, the Sterling family erupted.
William Sterling pulled strings to ensure Vanessa would serve her full sentence without parole.
Alexander Sterling ordered Evelyn to take medical leave, insisting the company could manage without her.
Donovan Sterling, relieved his sister was alive, remained characteristically quiet.
Lucas Sterling unleashed a torrent of profanity across social media.
As evening fell, Bennett knocked on Evelyn's office door.
"President Sinclair, Ms. Blackwood is here to see you."
Evelyn paused. "Sophia Blackwood?" Bennett nodded.
"What does she want now? Didn't she learn her lesson last time?" Evelyn's lips curled into a dangerous smile.
She leaned back in her leather chair, arching one perfect eyebrow. "Send her in."
"Yes, ma'am."
Moments later, Sophia strutted in on stiletto heels.
Her haggard appearance suggested she hadn't been sleeping well.
Given Old Master Blackwood's temperament, family loyalty meant nothing when business interests were at stake.
Sophia still hadn't learned this crucial lesson.
"Evelyn, you really think you're untouchable now, don't you?"
Sophia's envious gaze swept across the luxurious office.
Evelyn's expression remained icy. "My time is valuable, Ms. Blackwood. State your business."
She had no patience for petty games with lesser women.
Sophia's face twisted in displeasure. Who did Evelyn think she was?
But remembering her grandfather's threats, Sophia swallowed her pride.
She lifted her chin in that trademark Blackwood arrogance. "I came to apologize."
As if Evelyn should feel honored. When had a Blackwood ever apologized to anyone?
If not for Evelyn's counterattack damaging their company, Old Master Blackwood would never have forced this humiliation.
Evelyn studied Sophia and burst into laughter.
Sophia looked ready for war, not reconciliation. Did she think Evelyn was stupid?
"What's so funny? Stop gloating! I wouldn't be here if Grandpa hadn't ordered—"
Evelyn's smile vanished. "Nobody forced you. If you're unhappy, the door's right there."