Chapter 198

The morning sun cast golden rays through Evelyn Sinclair's penthouse windows as she prepared for the day. She chose a sleek emerald green dress that hugged her curves perfectly, layering it with a tailored white blazer that screamed power and elegance.

Her assistant Bennett was already waiting when she arrived at Sterling Corp's headquarters. "The bidding starts at 2 PM," he informed her, handing over a thick dossier. "This property in Montevista is the most coveted commercial land this quarter."

Evelyn's fingers traced the embossed Sterling Corp logo on the folder. "Let me guess - Blackwood Enterprises is our main competition?"

Bennett nodded grimly. The numbers on the first page made Evelyn's eyebrows rise. "This is our opening bid? That's..."

"Ambitious? Yes. Necessary? Absolutely." Bennett adjusted his glasses. "Nathan Blackwood wouldn't bring anything less to this fight."

The Grandeur Hotel's ballroom glittered under crystal chandeliers that afternoon. The air hummed with polite conversation and veiled threats as rival executives circled each other like sharks. No one revealed their cards - the numbers in their briefcases would determine who walked away victorious.

Harrison, Nathan's ever-efficient assistant, worked the room with practiced ease. But it was the striking brunette beside him who caught Evelyn's attention. The woman carried herself with the confidence of someone used to commanding rooms, her burgundy pantsuit accentuating her sharp features.

Their eyes met across the crowded space. The stranger's lips curved into a knowing smile as she approached. "Ms. Sinclair," she extended a manicured hand. "Victoria Ashford. I've been looking forward to meeting you."

Evelyn accepted the handshake, feeling the subtle challenge in the other woman's grip. "The feeling is mutual, Ms. Ashford. Your reputation precedes you."

Victoria's designer suit screamed West Coast money, all sharp angles and calculated elegance. In contrast, Evelyn's flowing dress softened her powerful presence, creating an intriguing juxtaposition between the two businesswomen.

"Nathan not joining the fun today?" Evelyn asked casually, noting the absence of her ex-husband.

Before Victoria could respond, a familiar voice interrupted. "Darling, you're looking positively radiant today." Sebastian Hart materialized at Evelyn's side, draping an arm around her shoulders with his trademark charm.

Evelyn rolled her eyes but didn't shrug him off. "Shouldn't you be bidding for Hart Industries instead of harassing me?"

Sebastian's grin turned wolfish. "Why bid for land when I can bid for your attention?"

Victoria's entire demeanor shifted at Sebastian's appearance. The ice queen melted, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear with sudden self-consciousness. "Mr. Hart," she said, her voice dropping an octave. "What a pleasant surprise."

Sebastian blinked. "Do I know you?"

Evelyn barely suppressed a groan. "Sebastian, this is Victoria Ashford from Ashford Enterprises? Your Harvard Business School classmate?"

Recognition dawned on Sebastian's face. "Victoria! My God, you've changed." His appreciative once-over made Victoria flush. "Last time I saw you, you were all braces and textbooks."

The tension dissipated as the auctioneer called for attention. Bennett took his seat beside Evelyn, fingers flying across his tablet. "Something's off," he muttered. "Blackwood's team isn't acting like they want this property."

The bidding war commenced with smaller players dropping out quickly as the numbers climbed past $30 billion. When Victoria threw down $35 billion, the room held its breath.

Evelyn signaled Bennett. "$38 billion."

Victoria countered immediately. "$40 billion."

Evelyn's brow furrowed. Ashford Enterprises specialized in California real estate - why this sudden interest in East Coast property? Bennett's message pinged on her screen: Victoria's working with Nathan. This is a setup.

The pieces clicked into place. Of course Nathan would use a proxy to drive up the price. Evelyn's lips curled into a smirk. Two could play that game. She leaned toward Bennett. "Let's give them a number they won't forget."