Chapter 146

Evelyn's lips curled into a cold smirk. Did Sophia truly believe she could be fooled so easily? As if a half-hearted apology from her would mean anything?

She wouldn’t care even if Sophia groveled at her feet.

Sophia froze, her expression twisting in shock.

For a moment, she faltered, her confidence shattering under Evelyn’s icy gaze.

It hit her then—Evelyn wasn’t the same woman she had once bullied.

She was now the formidable CEO of Sterling Corporation, a woman who could bring even Blackwood Enterprises to its knees.

"Evelyn, what kind of attitude is this?" Sophia gritted her teeth, forcing out the words. "I came here to apologize, and this is how you treat me?"

Evelyn glanced at her watch, then pressed the intercom. "Bennett, send security up. Escort Ms. Blackwood out."

Sophia’s eyes widened in disbelief.

"And from now on," Evelyn added coolly, "she is not permitted to enter Sterling Tower again."

"Evelyn! How dare you?!" Sophia’s face flushed with rage. If word got out that she had been publicly thrown out, her reputation would be ruined. Grandfather and Nathan would never believe she hadn’t provoked Evelyn first.

Evelyn’s gaze was glacial.

"Why wouldn’t I? Sophia Blackwood, you should learn what a real apology looks like."

The security team arrived swiftly. Bennett stepped in, his expression stern. "Ms. Blackwood, this way."

Fury burned in Sophia’s chest. She shot Evelyn one last venomous glare before storming out.

The moment she stepped outside Sterling Tower, regret clawed at her. How was she going to explain this to Grandfather and Nathan? She should have just swallowed her pride.

Her anxiety only grew as she returned to Blackwood Manor.

The second she entered, a teacup flew toward her. Sophia barely dodged it, the porcelain shattering at her feet.

"Grandfather—"

"You useless girl!" Old Master Blackwood’s voice was thunderous. "How dare you come back after humiliating yourself like that?"

Sophia opened her mouth to lie, but—

"Evelyn Sinclair called me," he snapped. "She told me you were arrogant and disrespectful the moment you stepped into her office. Are you truly this stupid?"

Sophia’s face paled.

She hadn’t expected Evelyn to strike first, poisoning Grandfather against her before she could even speak.

Now, nothing she said would matter.

Of course, Evelyn had outmaneuvered her again.

Her punishment? Another night kneeling in the ancestral hall.

After work, Isabella practically dragged Evelyn to an exclusive party.

Though exhausted, Evelyn hadn’t indulged in a night out in ages, so she reluctantly agreed.

She wore an emerald-green halter gown, the fabric woven with delicate pearls that shimmered under the light. The dress clung to her curves, accentuating her graceful neck and regal posture.

She looked every bit the untouchable goddess.

The moment the two women entered, heads turned.

Isabella leaned in, mischief in her voice. "See anyone you like? Just take him home."

Evelyn rolled her eyes. "You’re the one who looks interested."

Isabella grinned. "Well, it’s about participation, isn’t it?" She winked. "I’ll go greet the host. Find a seat."

Evelyn nodded and settled into a quiet corner.

She pulled out her phone to check stock updates when a man dripping in designer labels swaggered toward her. His gaze was predatory, his outfit screaming "trust fund brat."

One glance told Evelyn everything—arrogant, entitled, and utterly useless.

"Ms. Sterling," he drawled, flashing a smarmy smile. "I’ve heard so much about you. You’re even more stunning in person."

Evelyn barely spared him a glance, offering only a curt nod.

She didn’t know him. She didn’t care to.

And his attempt at flattery was painfully unoriginal.

His smile faltered at her indifference. He had come here hoping to impress Nathan Blackwood, who was upstairs with his friends, brooding over Sterling Corporation’s recent victories.

Seeing Nathan’s dark mood, this fool thought he could win favor by putting Evelyn in her place.

Maybe if he succeeded, Nathan would even consider a business deal with his family.

The thought emboldened him.

He leered at Evelyn. "Let me buy you a drink, Ms. Sterling."

He held out a glass of champagne.

Evelyn didn’t even look at it.

"I don’t drink," she said flatly.

Her refusal was absolute. She wouldn’t accept anything from a man like him.

His face darkened. He forced a laugh. "A powerful woman like you, refusing a drink? Are you looking down on me?"

Evelyn finally met his eyes, her gaze sharp enough to cut glass.

"Yes."