Chapter 254

Charles Sterling's entire body went rigid, his face twisting into an ugly grimace.

"You...you knew about that?" His voice cracked with disbelief. He had been so careful, selecting only the minor shareholders who joined Sterling Corporation later to quietly acquire their stakes. Yet somehow, she'd discovered everything.

Evelyn Sinclair's lips curved into a knowing smile. "Sterling Corporation is my father's life's work, not some inherited family business. By rights, you have no claim to any part of it."

She leaned forward slightly, her piercing gaze locking onto his. "The only reason Father hasn't exposed you is out of brotherly affection. But if you continue down this path, you'll lose even that."

Charles stood frozen, his eyes flickering with sudden remorse. All the fury that had propelled him here evaporated, leaving him hollow and numb.

Evelyn placed the stack of incriminating photos in his trembling hands. "Uncle Charles, surely you don't want our family fortune falling into the hands of those two women?" Without another word, Charles turned and stalked out.

A soft chuckle escaped Evelyn as she pulled out her phone to text William. (Come home now!)

Bennett still looked stunned. "Ms. Sinclair, aren't we going after Genevieve and Margaret? They took nearly everything from the Charleston branch."

Evelyn arched an elegant brow. "No need. Let Uncle Charles handle it personally. He'll appreciate the...satisfaction of catching them himself."

Only by seeing their betrayal with his own eyes would he understand the depth of their deception. When the board meeting reconvened later, Alexander couldn't stop praising her strategic brilliance.

Word spread quickly through Sterling Corporation about how their young president had masterfully handled the crisis. This was no spoiled heiress playing at business - Evelyn Sinclair commanded respect through sharp intellect and decisive action.

Meanwhile at Blackwood Enterprises, Nathan had just concluded his own meeting when Harrison approached.

"Sir, the invitations for the Global Economic Forum have arrived. You've been selected again. Should we arrange your travel itinerary?"

This exclusive gathering brought together only the most influential business leaders worldwide, with no regard for social status or inherited privilege. Only true industry titans received the embossed gold invitations - fewer than twenty globally each year.

Nathan paused as he accepted the heavy envelope, his fingers tracing the raised lettering. "Associates can bring one guest, correct?"

Harrison blinked in surprise. While the rules technically allowed it, few ever exercised the privilege. The forum's prestige relied on maintaining an exacting balance - for every new attendee, another must depart.

"Who did you have in mind, sir? Tristan?" He immediately regretted the suggestion when Nathan's expression darkened.

"Give the invitation to Evelyn. Whether she attends is her decision." His tone left no room for discussion as he strode into his office.

Harrison mentally kicked himself. Of course he meant Ms. Sinclair! Though if Evelyn appeared at such an elite gathering, the Sterling family's ascendancy would become unstoppable.

Back at Sterling Corporation, Evelyn studied the unmarked invitation before her. Though no name appeared, the weight of the envelope spoke volumes. This was unlike any corporate event she'd ever attended.

She remembered hearing whispers about this legendary forum during her business studies in Europe - the kind of opportunity money couldn't buy, no matter how much one possessed.

Bennett watched her carefully, having sensed something significant when Harrison delivered the envelope earlier. "Will you be going, Ms. Sinclair? Given Mr. Blackwood's involvement..."

Evelyn didn't hesitate. "Without a doubt."