Chapter 193

News spread like wildfire that Sterling Corporation was searching for a celebrity ambassador for their new men's accessories line. Every talent agency in the city scrambled to submit their top artists' portfolios.

Securing this endorsement deal meant everything. Sterling Corporation's reputation for excellence was unmatched in the industry. Being chosen would cement an artist's status as A-list.

Evelyn Sinclair flipped through stacks of headshots until her vision blurred. Beside her, Bennett tapped his pen thoughtfully against his notepad.

"President Sinclair," he said, lowering his voice. "Just received word from our contacts. Sinclair Group bailed Penelope Sinclair out this morning. They've quietly appointed her as Vice President."

He paused. "And Yuna Takahashi has been extradited back to Korea."

Evelyn didn't look up from the photos. "Bailed out?" Her lips curved slightly. The news about Yuna's extradition didn't surprise her - the Takahashi family had that kind of influence.

As for Penelope? Sinclair Group had deep pockets. And let's face it - tax evasion wasn't exactly murder. Evelyn snapped the portfolio shut.

"How's the acquisition progressing?" she asked.

Bennett's expression brightened. "Smooth sailing. We've severed their supply chain completely. At this rate, Sinclair Group will declare bankruptcy within three weeks unless they find new investors."

Evelyn's phone vibrated with an incoming call. Dominic Young's name flashed on the screen.

"President Sinclair," his smooth voice came through. "Heard you're in the market for an ambassador. Might I suggest someone?"

Evelyn's eyebrows lifted. Dominic rarely recommended talent. "Go on."

"Julian Moreau. Clean image, massive social media following. Since he's under my management now, I'd love to give the kid this opportunity. What do you think?"

The name triggered a memory. Julian had been caught in that media scandal with her months ago. Unlike others, he'd refused to capitalize on the situation or milk it for publicity.

Evelyn felt a twinge of guilt. The boy had integrity. "Done," she said without hesitation. Julian had been on her shortlist anyway.

Dominic chuckled. "Were you waiting for me to ask, Evelyn? Playing favorites, are we?"

Evelyn rolled her eyes. "Dominic, with that imagination, you should be writing soap operas." She ended the call.

Turning to Bennett, she announced, "Julian Moreau gets the contract. Have legal draft the paperwork."

Bennett smirked. "The shipping community will lose their minds. Your pairing with him alone will sell out the collection."

Evelyn shot him a look.

Clearing his throat, Bennett added, "You should attend the press conference, President. Avoiding it would only fuel more speculation."

Evelyn nodded. She knew how these games were played.

Three days later, Sterling Corporation's official announcement sent the internet into meltdown. #EvelynAndJulian trended worldwide as fans dubbed themselves "Evians." When the campaign photos dropped - Julian modeling sleek silver cufflinks - pre-orders hit 200 million units in twenty-four hours, smashing all previous records.

Meanwhile, Sinclair Group unveiled their competing line of men's jewelry. Their ambassador? None other than Penelope Sinclair, squeezing every last drop from her fading celebrity status.

The audacious move? Booking the adjacent ballroom at The Grandeur Hotel for their launch event - same date, same time as Sterling's.

"President," Bennett fumed, "should we have the hotel cancel their reservation? This is blatant piggybacking."

Evelyn's smile turned glacial. "Let them play their little game." She checked her watch. "There's still thirty-six hours. Contact our specialist. She'll handle Penelope."

If Penelope wanted to play dirty in the business world, Evelyn would show her how it's really done.