Chapter 251

The room fell into stunned silence. Though the journalists kept firing questions, their tone had noticeably softened.

"Given these circumstances, could you clarify the situation regarding Professor Meyer's video? If Sterling Corporation acknowledges the plagiarism, doesn't that mean Professor Meyer was the one who—"

"Academic theft remains the most unforgivable sin in our field," another reporter cut in.

Evelyn Sinclair's lips curved into a radiant, self-assured smile. Rising gracefully, her voice carried both warmth and steel. "The success of our tripartite research initiative wasn't due to Professor Meyer's contributions, but rather the intellectual property he stole from us."

Her gaze swept across the room as she delivered the coup de grâce. "Allow me to introduce the true mastermind behind our research team—the youngest scientist ever to receive the prestigious Breakthrough Prize in our industry—Donovan Sterling."

A collective gasp rippled through the crowd. Every eye turned toward the side entrance where a strikingly handsome man emerged with effortless poise.

This wasn't the stereotypical image of a stuffy academic—Donovan moved with the casual elegance of a runway model, his piercing gaze scanning the room with amused detachment.

Every journalist present recognized him instantly. With Donovan Sterling's involvement, Professor Meyer's career in the scientific community was effectively over.

Donovan paused deliberately, allowing the flashing cameras to capture his arrival.

"Come join me," Evelyn murmured, her voice carrying just enough for the microphones to pick up. Donovan's responding smile as their eyes met sent the reporters into a frenzy.

The chemistry between them was electric. Social media feeds exploded with live reactions: [Is that THE Donovan Sterling?] [President Sinclair is glowing!] [The way he looks at her—I'm deceased!] [Someone check if I'm dreaming!]

As Donovan took his seat, his relaxed demeanor contrasted sharply with the storm brewing elsewhere in the room. Nathan Blackwood's jaw clenched visibly, while Dominic Kingsley leaned over to whisper, "She actually got the prodigy scientist to show up? President Sinclair's connections never cease to amaze me."

Nathan's response came through gritted teeth. "This isn't just professional. There's something more between them."

Dominic smirked. "Jealousy doesn't suit you, Nathan. Though I suppose your list of romantic rivals just grew considerably longer."

Before Nathan could retort, a bold reporter seized the moment: "President Sinclair, what exactly is your relationship with Donovan Sterling? Colleagues? Or something more... intimate?"

The room collectively held its breath. This crossed professional boundaries—Evelyn had every right to shut down the question.

Instead, she exchanged a knowing glance with Donovan, her smile turning playful. "Shall we tell them?" she asked, loud enough for all to hear.

Donovan's answering grin was wolfish. "Your call, little sister."

Every camera lens focused with laser intensity. Nathan's knuckles turned white, his entire body rigid with tension.

Evelyn let the suspense build, savoring the moment. Then, under the glare of spotlights and before dozens of reporters, she reached for Donovan's hand, intertwining their fingers with deliberate intimacy.

"Very well," she announced, her voice rich with pride. "Let me properly introduce Donovan Sterling—yes, of the Sterling Corporation Sterlings. My father William Sterling's son, my brilliant second brother, and incidentally, one of the most groundbreaking scientists of our generation."

The revelation hit like a thunderclap. Cameras flashed wildly as the siblings' united front sent shockwaves through the industry—and shattered Nathan Blackwood's composure completely.