Chapter 246

Evelyn Sinclair remained silent, her piercing gaze locked onto Dominic Kingsley's face. His expression betrayed no hint of jest. The tension between them grew thick enough to cut with a knife, and Evelyn could feel her stomach twisting into knots.

The revolutionary aspect of their AI chip lay in its unprecedented diagnostic capabilities - detecting both latent and manifest illnesses in human subjects. This groundbreaking achievement had been proudly announced to the global community.

To shield Donovan Sterling from unnecessary scrutiny, they'd attributed the design to a collaborative effort between Sterling Corporation, Kingsley Tech, and Kensington Group.

If Sterling Corporation suddenly claimed exclusive rights, it would spark rumors of a fractured alliance between the three corporate giants. The resulting stock market turmoil would be catastrophic.

Nothing good could come from such reckless actions. This project represented years of painstaking work and billions in investments.

It would be tragic to see it derailed by petty corporate politics before reaching its full potential.

Evelyn steadied her breathing. "Do you know which subsidiary is responsible?" With countless enterprises under Sterling Corporation's umbrella, Evelyn couldn't possibly monitor them all.

Dominic clearly had inside information. He produced a folded note from his jacket pocket, sliding it across her desk with deliberate precision. "Nathan discovered it's Charles Sterling in Charleston." Evelyn's brow furrowed instantly.

That scheming relative was causing trouble again. How utterly predictable. Evelyn mentally catalogued her options. The most effective way to dispel rumors was with irrefutable evidence.

"If all else fails," Dominic suggested casually, "you could always bring your former flame into this." Evelyn's head snapped up in confusion. What former flame? Since when did she have-

"Sunner!" Dominic clarified. "If he makes a statement, this whole plagiarism accusation disappears. Nobody would believe the legendary Sunner would steal intellectual property."

Evelyn rolled her eyes so hard she saw stars. She summoned Bennett to escort their visitor out.

As Dominic exited Sterling Corporation headquarters, he pulled out his phone. "I've informed Evelyn," he reported. "But Nathan, this is official business. Wouldn't this be the perfect opportunity for you to see her in person?"

The line remained silent except for the faint click of a lighter. After several tense seconds, Nathan's voice finally came through, cold and hollow. "She despises me. The last thing she wants is my presence."

No sooner had Dominic left than Evelyn launched an investigation into Sterling Corporation's Charleston operations. The findings confirmed her suspicions.

By early afternoon, social media was ablaze with speculation. Sterling Corporation's Charleston branch had prematurely announced their "exclusive" AI doctor project, sparking intense debate:

[Wasn't this supposed to be a three-way collaboration?]

[Corporate partnerships are always temporary.]

[Are they rushing this to market too quickly?]

[Has Evelyn Sinclair lost her moral compass?]

The public assumed Charleston's actions were sanctioned by Evelyn herself, making her the target of widespread criticism. Sterling Corporation's stock began a slow but steady decline.

Fortunately, Kingsley Tech and Kensington Group refrained from capitalizing on the situation, allowing Sterling Corporation to handle its internal crisis.

Without hesitation, Evelyn ordered her car. She would confront Charles Sterling personally in Charleston. Alexander Sterling chose to remain behind, collaborating with Kingsley Tech to trace the information leak.

During the three-hour drive, Evelyn monitored the online discourse with growing concern. The mixed public reaction spelled trouble for Sterling Corporation's reputation. Trust, once lost, was difficult to regain.

"We've arrived, President Sinclair." Bennett opened her door. Evelyn stepped out, her designer heels clicking decisively against the pavement as she marched toward the building entrance.

"Hey! You can't just walk in here-" The drowsy receptionist jerked upright, her complaint dying mid-sentence when she recognized the imposing figure before her. "P-President Sinclair?"