Chapter 20

The digital world exploded at midnight when an anonymous account released a carefully edited video clip.

Every crucial context had been surgically removed, leaving only Evelyn Sinclair's defensive actions against the mysterious man.

Without the full story, the footage painted Evelyn as an unhinged aggressor attacking an innocent victim.

Morning light found Evelyn preparing for her first official day at Sterling Enterprises, carefully selecting a navy power suit.

Her routine was shattered when Isabella Montgomery stormed into the penthouse, phone in hand.

"Evelyn! The internet's crucifying you again!"

Evelyn's hands stilled on her pearl earrings. "What now?"

The ten-second clip showed only two things: Evelyn's furious expression and the man's theatrical cowering.

The comments section was a warzone.

"Nathan Blackwood's ex-wife caught brawling at Velvet Lounge!"

"Who knew society princess Evelyn Sinclair was so violent?"

Within hours, #EvelynSinclairScandal was trending worldwide.

The paparazzi's carefully crafted narrative had worked perfectly.

Evelyn's phone began buzzing with notifications from every major tabloid.

Isabella paced furiously. "We need to release the full security footage immediately!"

Evelyn examined her manicure calmly. "Not yet."

"But your reputation—"

"Will survive this." Evelyn snapped her clutch shut with finality. "First, I have a company to run."

The real battle, she knew, wasn't in the court of public opinion.

It was in the boardroom she was about to enter.

The paparazzi struck under the cover of darkness.

They uploaded the carefully edited footage, stripping away all context. Only Evelyn Sinclair's violent outburst remained—ten seconds that painted her as the aggressor against a helpless man.

By morning, the clip had gone viral.

Evelyn woke refreshed, ready for her first official day at Sterling Corp. She was selecting her outfit when Isabella Montgomery stormed in, phone in hand.

"Evelyn! The internet is tearing you apart again!"

Evelyn paused. "Why?"

Isabella shoved the screen at her. The video showed only Evelyn's furious expression and the man's cowering form. The caption read: Nathan Blackwood's ex-wife caught in bar brawl—shocking violence!

Comments flooded in:

"Typical rich girl behavior."

"No wonder Nathan divorced her."

"She's terrifying."

Evelyn swiped the phone away. "Ignore it. It's just noise."

Isabella fumed. Though tipsy last night, she remembered clearly—Evelyn had defended her. "No! I won't let this slide—"

"Drop it," Evelyn said. "We have work."

Outside, Archibald, Sterling Manor's butler, stood waiting. "Miss, your car is ready."

Evelyn frowned. A Rolls-Royce was too conspicuous. "No, I'll drive myself."

Archibald produced a set of keys. "Mr. Sterling prepared alternatives: a Maserati and Porsche. The Lamborghinis and Ferraris arrive next week."

Isabella gaped. "Your dad spoils you rotten!"

Her tiny convertible couldn't buy one tire of Evelyn's fleet.

Evelyn sighed. "I'm supposed to blend in. I'll ride with Isabella."

Archibald bowed. "Very kind, Ms. Montgomery."

Isabella grinned. "Honored to chauffeur the great Evelyn Sinclair."

They laughed, then dashed off before Archibald could protest. "He's worse than Dad!"

At Sterling Corp, Alexander Sterling introduced Evelyn as the new director—a coveted position many had eyed.

Whispers spread instantly. Beyond being Nathan's ex, Evelyn was an enigma.

Olivia Kensington, who'd expected the role, sneered. "What qualifies you? Three years as Mrs. Blackwood?"

She stood, voice dripping with disdain. "I refuse to work under someone like you. I'll resign if this stands."

Alexander checked his watch, unfazed. "Submit your resignation. I'll approve it immediately."