Chapter 31

Evelyn Sinclair rubbed her temples, clearly annoyed.

Isabella Montgomery burst into laughter. "Who on earth would be foolish enough to send you flowers?"

"Sebastian Hart, obviously," Evelyn replied dryly. "He made sure they were delivered directly to me."

"Sebastian?" Isabella smirked. "That man certainly knows how to make an impression."

She leaned in conspiratorially. "Old Master Hart shipped Julian off to study abroad. Rumor has it if he fails this time, his grandfather will break his legs."

Evelyn sighed. "What a shame we didn’t get to say goodbye. I suppose we’ll just have to throw him a grand welcome-back party when he returns."

With a wave of her hand, Evelyn summoned her assistant to remove the flowers from her office. The overpowering floral scent was giving her a headache.

Isabella nodded in agreement. "Good call. By the way, I looked into Kensington Group like you asked."

Evelyn lifted an eyebrow, waiting.

Isabella grinned. "Kensington Group is nothing but a hollow shell. They’re drowning in debt, begging for loans everywhere. The bank’s about to auction them off, and all they have left are worthless projects. Olivia Kensington is clearly trying to set you up."

This confirmed Evelyn’s suspicions. A slow smirk curved her lips. "So she’s digging a pit for me to fall into? Tonight’s dinner just got a lot more interesting."

"Thanks," she added.

Isabella shrugged. "Don’t mention it. But… I won’t be able to work with you anymore. My mother’s returning from Hong Kong. She just acquired a new cosmetics company and promised me a role in R&D."

She hesitated. "You know this has always been my dream."

Isabella’s mother was a powerhouse in the industry, always pushing her toward management. But Isabella had always preferred the lab. Now that she finally had the chance to pursue research, she wasn’t about to let it slip away.

Evelyn smiled warmly. "Then I wish our brilliant Miss Montgomery all the success in the world."

The two shared a knowing look. No further words were needed—their friendship had always been built on unspoken understanding.

"Just be careful," Isabella warned. "If you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask. We’ve got your back."

Evelyn nodded. "Don’t worry. I won’t be a stranger."

After a few more minutes of chatter, Isabella grabbed her purse and slipped out. Evelyn turned her attention back to work.

As evening approached, she rose from her desk, intending to brief Bennett about the dinner. But before she could, Olivia Kensington sauntered into her office.

"Since it’s a private dinner, there’s no need to bring your assistant, right?" Olivia purred.

Evelyn arched a brow. "Fine."

Bennett shot her a concerned glance, but Evelyn gave him a reassuring smile.

At the private club, they were ushered into an elegant dining room. Olivia greeted a portly middle-aged man with an overly familiar cheek kiss that made Evelyn’s stomach turn.

Forcing politeness, Evelyn approached.

"Chairman Zeller," Olivia introduced, "this is Vice President Evelyn Sinclair."

The man’s eyes gleamed with undisguised lust as he took her in. "Ah, Vice President Sinclair. I’ve heard so much about you. You’re even more stunning in person."

He extended a hand. Evelyn barely nodded before taking her seat.

"Mr. Zeller, you flatter me," she said coolly.

Olivia gave her a pointed look. "Vice President Sinclair, since you’re new to Sterling Corporation, you might not know we have a strong relationship with Kensington Group. There shouldn’t be any issues with this partnership."

She gestured toward the contract. "Why don’t you present it to Mr. Zeller? If everything’s in order, we can sign tonight."

Evelyn paused, then slowly withdrew the document. "Of course. Mr. Zeller, I suggest you review it carefully."

The man took the contract, barely skimming it—as if he already knew its contents. But when his eyes landed on a specific figure, his face darkened.

"Vice President Sinclair," he growled, "why is the commission thirty percent higher than agreed?"

Olivia stiffened, snatching the contract. Her expression twisted in shock. "Who changed this?"

"Me," Evelyn said smoothly. "Since I’m overseeing this project, I have final say. We proceed at this rate—or not at all."

Everyone knew a thirty percent hike would cost Kensington Group millions more—an impossible demand for a failing company on the brink of collapse.

Olivia’s face flushed with rage. "Evelyn, you can’t just alter terms like this!"

Evelyn tilted her head. "As Sterling Corporation’s Vice President, I absolutely can. Ms. Kensington, I’m acting in our company’s best interest. Shouldn’t you be pleased?"

Her gaze sharpened. "Unless… you’re more loyal to Kensington Group than to Sterling?"

Olivia paled. "I—I’m Sterling’s employee! But business is built on trust! We had an agreement!"

Evelyn leaned back, unimpressed. "Nothing’s signed yet. Everything’s negotiable."

She turned to Chairman Zeller, her smile razor-sharp. "Unless… you and Ms. Kensington have already made private arrangements?"