Chapter 245

The icy wind howled as Evelyn Sinclair turned away without hesitation. She had no desire to remain in that place a moment longer. By the time she reached Sterling Manor, the clock had already struck midnight.

Dawn broke with golden sunlight streaming through her bedroom windows. Evelyn blinked awake to a breathtaking view of Highland Estates' private arboretum - rare specimens from every continent swaying gently outside her window. A perfect morning.

Yesterday's unpleasantness evaporated like morning mist. Evelyn stretched luxuriously before freshening up and checking her tablet for overnight market movements. A message from Alexander Sterling timestamped 3:47 AM glowed on the screen: [Victoria Ashford situation handled. Sleep well, little sister.]

Already? Alexander's protective instincts were legendary, and Evelyn could only imagine what ruthless measures he'd employed.

But one question lingered - what had been Nathan Blackwood's role in last night's events? Those fathomless dark eyes had held such complex emotions when they'd locked onto hers.

Evelyn shook her head sharply. Nathan's thoughts and feelings were irrelevant now. His timely appearance meant nothing to her. She'd survived just fine without his intervention.

Stepping into her walk-in closet, Evelyn selected a couture ensemble from the season's most exclusive collection. The soft rustle of silk was interrupted by her ringing phone. Isabella Montgomery's name flashed on the screen.

"You're more reliable than my alarm clock," Evelyn teased as she answered.

Isabella's voice crackled with indignation. "Why didn't you tell me about last night's drama?"

Ah. The gossip mill had already started grinding.

"Well, you know now," Evelyn replied lightly.

"Only because I heard Victoria Ashford got caught trying to ambush you! Can you believe she confessed her pathetic crush on Sebastian Hart right before getting arrested? And managed to offend both Nathan and Alexander in one night? Where does that woman get her audacity?"

Isabella's outrage was almost comical. Almost.

"Those weren't just regular bodyguards with her," Isabella continued, suddenly serious. "They were former MMA champions. Even with your training..."

Evelyn's fingers tightened around her phone. MMA champions? If she'd gotten lucky with one attacker in the dark, the second might have overpowered her. The realization hit like a physical blow.

So Nathan's intervention had been... necessary? The thought tasted bitter. "I'm fine," she forced out after a beat. "They arrived in time."

"Thank God. Rumor has it Victoria was shipped back to Santa Barbara sobbing uncontrollably. Alexander's already blacklisted Ashford Enterprises from all Sterling Corporation affiliates. That woman's career is finished."

Evelyn listened impassively. Alexander's ruthlessness came as no surprise - she would have done the same. Their conversation continued during Evelyn's commute, ending abruptly when her car pulled up to Sterling Corporation headquarters.

The lobby doors parted before her Jimmy Choo heels. Receptionists straightened instantly as Evelyn glided past, returning their greetings with a regal nod.

Bennett materialized at the elevator with her morning agenda. "Meeting in ten minutes, Ms. Sinclair. However—"

Evelyn arched an eyebrow.

"Dominic Kingsley from Kingsley Tech has been waiting since seven."

Evelyn's perfectly manicured fingers stilled on her tablet. "Reschedule the meeting. Show Mr. Kingsley in immediately."

Dominic's expression when he entered could have frozen the Mediterranean. His wire-rimmed glasses did nothing to soften the storm in his eyes.

The Aether Core project had been progressing flawlessly. What could possibly warrant this tension?

The door clicked shut behind Bennett. Dominic didn't sit.

"Evelyn," he said without preamble, "our AI chip designs have been stolen."

The words hung between them like a guillotine blade.

"By someone inside Sterling Corporation."