Chapter 174

Evelyn Sinclair had a mountain of work piling up on her desk.

The Pacific Heights Project was hitting unexpected roadblocks.

Maxwell Thornton, their primary developer, had suddenly backed out of their agreed-upon price at the eleventh hour.

He demanded a 30% increase on top of their original deal. Naturally, Evelyn refused. This project was Sterling Corporation’s crown jewel in real estate—failure wasn’t an option.

Her negotiation team returned empty-handed. Maxwell remained stubborn, unwilling to budge.

Every day of delay cost Sterling Corp millions. With Alexander Sterling overseas for inspections, the burden fell squarely on Evelyn’s shoulders.

Flipping through past meeting notes, Evelyn frowned. Something didn’t add up.

Why the sudden shift in attitude?

Bennett, standing nearby, cleared his throat. "I did some digging."

"Apparently, someone approached Maxwell—promised him better deals and higher commissions."

"He’s using this as leverage to squeeze more out of us."

Evelyn’s fingers stilled. "Who?"

Bennett shook his head. "He’s keeping that close to his chest."

Finding another developer overseas would be costly and time-consuming. They were stuck dealing with Maxwell.

Evelyn exhaled sharply. "Set up a meeting."

She wouldn’t let anyone manipulate her.

Bennett nodded. "Right away."

Maxwell accepted the invitation almost instantly—as if he’d been waiting for it.

Evelyn arrived precisely on time. Maxwell, however, strolled in fifteen minutes late.

Her patience was already thin. His smug smirk as he apologized only made it worse.

"Apologies, Ms. Sterling. Got held up."

Evelyn’s lips curved into a cold smile. "Since you’re so busy, Mr. Thornton, we’ll reschedule."

She rose, signaling Bennett to follow.

Maxwell’s confidence faltered. He scrambled to stop her. "Wait—let’s talk properly. My fault for being late."

Evelyn paused, her gaze icy.

"Let’s be clear, Mr. Thornton. Sterling Corp won’t meet your demands. We value integrity. Without it, there’s no partnership."

Maxwell’s expression darkened. He leaned forward, dropping his trump card.

"Another investor offered 30% more. Match it, and I’ll stick with you."

He expected her to cave. Women, in his experience, folded under pressure.

Evelyn merely laughed.

"Then by all means, take their offer. Best of luck."

She turned on her heel.

If this mystery investor truly existed, why was Maxwell still negotiating? Evelyn wasn’t buying it.

But she was curious who was pulling his strings.

At the door, she glanced at Bennett. "Follow him."

An hour later, her phone buzzed.

Bennett’s voice was tense. "President, Maxwell just met with Reginald Sinclair and Nathan Blackwood at the Aurora Club."

Silence.

Then—

"Interesting."