Chapter 349

The boardroom crackled with tension. Divided opinions hung thick in the air like storm clouds. Some voiced agreement, some opposition, while others merely observed the unfolding drama.

Evelyn Sinclair studied Alexander Sterling's impassive face. His sharp eyes were half-lidded, his expression glacial as if the heated debate meant nothing to him. Bennett noticed this and cleared his throat pointedly.

The room fell silent instantly, all eyes turning to gauge Alexander's reaction. His frosty gaze swept across Lawrence Whitmore, voice dripping with icy precision.

"Mr. Whitmore, is your desperation for your son's advancement truly this transparent?"

Lawrence swallowed hard. Normally timid, he'd mustered courage for this moment, knowing Damian's position at Sterling Corporation hung by a thread without notable achievements.

"President Sterling, Damian's accomplishments in the business division speak for themselves. I have every confidence he can lead this initiative."

Alexander's lips curved into something resembling a smile, though his eyes remained arctic.

"And if he fails?" The question froze the room. The silence became oppressive.

Lawrence's face stiffened. His fingers twitched against the polished mahogany table. "If he can't—"

Alexander cut him off, voice like shattering glass. "This isn't just any project. It's Sterling Corporation's crown jewel."

"Years of strategic planning rest on its success. Failure wouldn't merely tarnish our reputation—it would cripple future ventures." His piercing stare pinned Lawrence in place. "Does your son possess the competence for such responsibility?"

"And if our competitors secure what we lose?" Alexander leaned forward slightly. "Who shoulders that catastrophe? Did you imagine consequences could be swept aside so easily?"

The air grew heavier. Even breathing seemed too loud. Should Kensington Group claim this deal, Sterling Corporation's standing would plummet, triggering a domino effect of lost partnerships.

The entire company's trajectory could shift into decline. Could Lawrence Whitmore possibly bear that weight? His complexion turned ashen.

He'd assumed Alexander might show leniency given his decades of service.

But the CEO had laid bare the stakes. All eyes burned into Lawrence now. Would he retreat or double down? The clock ticked audibly.

Evelyn checked her watch discreetly, mentally calculating how soon she could escape for her spa appointment.

"I'll stake everything on it!" Lawrence's sudden declaration cut through the tension, his voice rough with conviction. "Damian won't fail. But if he does, I'll surrender all my shares and resign immediately."

Gasps rippled through the room. As Sterling Corporation's second-largest shareholder, Lawrence's influence rivaled William Sterling's. His reputation among investors was impeccable.

And he was gambling it all? Evelyn studied him curiously. Determination etched deep lines into his face, but what fueled such blind faith?

Alexander's mouth quirked.

"Not enough." His fingers steepled. "Should Damian fail, he'll be barred from any Sterling affiliate—globally—in perpetuity."

Lawrence's eyelids flickered. Then, jaw clenched: "Agreed."

Alexander's gaze shifted to Evelyn. "We'll hedge our bets with dual leadership. Evelyn, you'll co-lead this project. Consider it... professional cross-training."

Evelyn's manicured nails stilled against her tablet. Her head snapped up. Why was she being dragged into this mess?

Lawrence scowled at her before turning back to Alexander. "How do we determine victory?" His finger jabbed toward Evelyn. "If she loses, does she walk away too?"

Alexander's glare could have flash-frozen the Mediterranean.

Before he could respond, Evelyn straightened her blazer and smiled sweetly. "Naturally. May the best executive win."