Chapter 162

Cassandra Delacroix's words were cut off as the private elevator chimed its arrival.

Dominic Young stepped out, his sharp gaze sweeping across the lobby before landing on Evelyn Sinclair. A visible relief washed over his features as he approached with a respectful nod.

"Ms. Sinclair, you only needed to call. There was no need for you to come personally."

His deferential tone contrasted sharply with his usual commanding presence in the entertainment industry.

Cassandra's lips twisted in irritation. She couldn't stand how this woman wielded power simply by being born into the Sterling family.

"Dominic Young!" she snapped. "Do you know who you're talking to?"

His expression turned glacial. "I believe you were about to threaten physical violence against Ms. Sinclair?"

Cassandra lifted her chin. "I'm the daughter of Celestial Media's CEO! Ask Evelyn if you don't believe me!"

The desperation in her voice was palpable as she invoked Evelyn's name for validation.

Evelyn merely smiled, content to watch Cassandra dig her own grave. She wouldn't lift a finger to help.

Dominic's lips curled in derision. "Your father wouldn't dare speak to me like that. You've got nerve."

Cassandra's confidence wavered as Dominic failed to show the deference she expected. She'd always assumed her father and Dominic were equals.

"Mr. Young," she tried again, emphasizing, "I'm here on business matters."

Dominic dismissed her with a wave. "You're not qualified to discuss business with me. I don't entertain irrelevant people."

He turned to the receptionist. "Donovan, have security escort her out."

"Yes, sir," Donovan responded promptly.

Dominic offered Evelyn a reassuring smile. "You're completely safe here, Ms. Sinclair."

Evelyn nodded, unfazed by Cassandra's empty threats. "She's all bark and no bite."

As they entered the elevator, Evelyn handed Dominic her phone. "This might help clear Julian's name."

The recording of Cassandra's earlier outburst played clearly. Dominic's smirk grew with each passing second.

"Ms. Sinclair," he teased, "you set quite the elaborate trap."

Evelyn rolled her eyes. "I've initiated the acquisition of Celestial Media. The shareholders' meeting is this afternoon. Any issues on your end?"

Dominic straightened immediately. "None whatsoever. Horizon Media is at your complete disposal."

He'd known since taking the helm that crossing the Sterlings was professional suicide.

Evelyn chuckled. "You'll have your hands full managing both companies after the merger."

Dominic's eyes lit up at the unspoken offer. "How exciting! I suppose I'll just have to work harder." He winked. "I'm still young, after all."

Evelyn fought back a laugh at the forty-something executive's declaration.

Their discussion turned to post-acquisition strategies. As it wound down, Evelyn asked, "How's Julian holding up? This can't be easy for a new actor."

"He's fine," Dominic assured. "Though his team is panicking. They got thrown out of Celestial Media when they tried to plead his case." He added confidently, "But with your help, this will blow over quickly."

Evelyn nodded. "Give him more projects as compensation. He got caught in the crossfire because of me."

Dominic grinned. "Of course. No one would dare mess with your protégé."

"Get lost!" Evelyn shot back, her cheeks flushing. Dominic had spent too much time with Lucas - they'd both developed the same infuriating habit of teasing her.

Business concluded, Evelyn strode away in her designer heels. Any longer and she might have punched someone.

Within minutes, the recording went viral, dethroning the "sugar mama" scandal as the top trending topic.

Cassandra hadn't even made it back to Celestial Media to complain to her father before the internet exploded with investigations into "Ms. Sinclair." Soon, Cassandra's own dirty laundry began surfacing.