Chapter 181

Reginald Sinclair's face twisted in shock.

What the hell?

I just... I only spread a minor rumor about Evelyn and Lucas online.

I never expected them to involve the authorities!

Father, fix this! Suppress the story!

Penelope can't be arrested—she's a star!

But Penelope Sinclair had already confessed everything.

She never anticipated Evelyn's ruthlessness.

Or that Lucas Sterling was Evelyn's brother.

Now she'd truly stirred up a hornet's nest.

Reginald's mind reeled in chaos.

Panic seized him.

He spun around, desperate to seek Nathan Blackwood's intervention.

Harrison blocked his path with a polite but firm hand.

"Mr. Sinclair, the CEO is in an international conference call."

His tone brooked no argument.

Defeated, Reginald stormed out.

He dialed Maxwell Thornton en route to Sterling Tower.

At this point, hiding their collusion no longer mattered.

He'd surrender the Pacific Heights Project if it meant freeing Penelope.

Yet when he arrived, Evelyn refused to see him.

Furious, Reginald paced Sterling Tower's lobby like a caged animal.

Maxwell looked bewildered.

"Thirty percent additional profits—we're just walking away?"

"Shut your mouth!"

They waited until dusk.

Finally, Evelyn emerged with Bennett at her side.

Reginald lunged forward.

"Ms. Sterling!"

She turned, cool as winter frost.

Though they'd never met, she recognized Maxwell instantly.

"Ah, Mr. Thornton."

Her gaze flicked to Reginald.

"Let me guess—HS Group's Chairman Sinclair?"

Reginald stiffened.

Her razor-sharp deduction unnerved him.

Suddenly, his bargaining position felt flimsy.

"Ms. Sterling, Penelope is my only child."

His voice cracked.

"She's a public figure—an arrest would ruin her."

Evelyn's lips curved like a honed blade.

"Then perhaps you should've taught your daughter consequences."

"Celebrities should exemplify integrity, don't you think?"

This scandal would end Penelope's career.

Brand her forever.

Evelyn couldn't care less.

"Wait!" Reginald begged.

"I'll withdraw from Pacific Heights entirely!"

"Send the developers back—original terms stand!"

Her laugh was glacial.

"Are you implying I should thank you for not sabotaging my project?"

Reginald straightened his tie with false dignity.

"The business world is brutal, Ms. Sterling."

"Victory justifies all means."

Evelyn's smile turned lethal.

"Exactly."

"Which is why I'm holding you both accountable."

Maxwell paled.

Reginald gaped.

"Did you truly believe," Evelyn purred, "this project hinged on Maxwell?"

"His deputy has coveted his position for years."

She let the revelation hang between them.

"The man gladly offered me a ten percent discount."

Reginald's knees nearly buckled.

Maxwell looked ready to vomit.

Evelyn tilted her head.

"Brutal world, isn't it, gentlemen?"

"Winning really is everything."

Bennett already held the car door open.

As Evelyn slid inside, Maxwell clawed at the window.

"Twenty percent discount! No—thirty!"

He'd work for free if she demanded it.

But the tinted window rose without hesitation.

The engine purred to life.

Evelyn didn't glance back.

Fools should've considered consequences before crossing her.