Chapter 249

Charles Sterling couldn't prevent the venomous words from escaping Margaret Dawson's lips. The atmosphere in the room turned glacial in an instant.

An icy chill spread through the air, making everyone tense.

It was common knowledge that Evelyn Sinclair's mother had passed away years ago. The Sterling family considered it a forbidden topic, too painful to discuss.

If William Sterling heard such remarks, he would have Margaret eliminated without hesitation. And Evelyn? She wouldn't tolerate such disrespect either.

Margaret finally noticed Evelyn's darkening expression and realized her grave mistake. She instinctively turned to Charles for support, but his earlier anger had vanished completely.

The tension stretched unbearably long as Evelyn's cold gaze remained fixed on Margaret. Her eyes held a dangerous depth.

A humorless smile curved Evelyn's lips. "Margaret Dawson," she said in a voice like frozen steel, "I've been far too lenient with you, haven't I?"

From the moment Margaret spoke, Evelyn had no intention of letting this slide.

Margaret stiffened, about to explode in anger when Charles grabbed her arm roughly. "Silence! You've forfeited your right to speak here." His sudden hostility confused her.

"Charles, I only said that for your sake—" Margaret began, but Charles cut her off, his jaw clenched tight.

"Evelyn," he said, forcing calm into his voice, "she didn't mean it. But business is business. This profitable project shouldn't be abandoned. We've hired top research teams."

"World-renowned specialists, both domestic and international," he continued. "Even if investigated, we have nothing to hide!"

Evelyn's laugh was sharp with derision. "This project required decades of research—a global breakthrough. What so-called experts did you hire?"

"Specialists?" Her voice dripped with sarcasm. "Not even the collective genius of every expert worldwide could match Donovan Sterling's brilliance. How shameless can you be?"

"Do you intend to ruin both this project and Sterling Corporation's reputation?" Evelyn's eyes flashed. "Never!"

Genevieve Dawson smirked arrogantly. "It's Professor Meyer, the nation's foremost physicist. His work has been published internationally. Who dares accuse us of plagiarism?"

Professor Meyer was indeed a celebrated figure in physics—not that Evelyn would recognize his name, Genevieve thought smugly.

Charles stepped forward, adopting a conciliatory tone. "Evelyn, your father and I are brothers. Would I ever harm our family business?"

Evelyn lifted her gaze, her expression unreadable. "Uncle Charles, the auditors Alexander sent won't fail. Your financial discrepancies are obvious. I've already discussed this with Father."

"This Charleston branch will undergo restructuring after bankruptcy. All staff will be reevaluated and reassigned accordingly." Her voice turned icy. "Margaret and her daughter, along with all their distant relatives, can leave immediately."

"As for contract compensation," Evelyn continued, "you'll serve as legal representative for the new company if you accept responsibility."

"Otherwise," she concluded, "retirement is your only option." This wasn't a negotiation—it was a decree.

The staff visibly relaxed, as if seeing salvation after a long ordeal. Margaret and Genevieve's faces twisted in fury.

Years of scheming, destroyed in moments?

Charles's face darkened with rage. His barely controlled frown deepened into a scowl. This damn girl was determined to oppose him!

"You—" Charles refused to believe his brother would approve this. He pulled out his phone to call William, but the calls went unanswered. Frustration and panic set in.

Evelyn smiled coolly. "Father left for Philmont on his private jet this morning. Currently, I'm in charge of Sterling Corporation."

The battle was already lost. The Sterlings had shown remarkable mercy already.

Evelyn rose gracefully, her piercing gaze sweeping the room before settling on Margaret and Genevieve. She locked eyes with Genevieve.

"Your mother isn't dead," Evelyn said with deliberate cruelty. "Pity she couldn't teach you manners—she has no integrity herself."