Chapter 484

Victoria Ashford's schemes were laid bare under the harsh light of day.

There was no hiding now. She remained seated until sunset, too terrified to move.

Victoria had imagined countless scenarios of how Evelyn Sinclair might react.

Would Evelyn rage at her? Would she scream, or perhaps even strike her? Victoria's true target had always been Nathan Blackwood—something Evelyn knew all too well.

Surely, Evelyn would treat her differently because of that. But in this moment, Victoria realized with crushing clarity that she meant nothing to Evelyn.

Just as Evelyn had hired her without hesitation, she could just as easily discard her.

Evelyn strode confidently from her office in sleek stilettos, flanked by her bodyguard and assistant. Department heads hurried alongside her, seeking her guidance on urgent matters.

Their expressions were a mix of deference and sycophancy.

That commanding presence—the kind of power Victoria could never hope to possess—made her suddenly aware of the vast chasm between them.

Even if Victoria were legitimized as the chairman's daughter, the ugliness in her soul would never compare to Evelyn's unshakable integrity.

At that moment, Victoria lost all courage to face Evelyn.

She was already a joke. Why give Evelyn the satisfaction of laughing in her face? Victoria turned on her heel and fled in the opposite direction.

At Blackwood Enterprises, Harrison noticed Nathan's foul mood had worsened in recent days. His decisions had become ruthless, his tone icy. Clearly, things weren't progressing well with Evelyn.

Employees delivered their reports with trepidation. By evening, Harrison knocked on Nathan's office door.

"Mr. Blackwood," he said carefully, "I've just received word that Sterling Corporation terminated an employee today."

Nathan barely glanced up. Harrison wouldn't bother him with trivial firings—unless it was significant.

"It's Victoria Ashford," Harrison added.

A flicker of disgust crossed Nathan's face. His voice was glacial.

"She deserves worse."

Harrison hesitated before continuing. "Madam Blackwood called. She wants Victoria to work here, since she has nowhere else to go."

The temperature in the room plummeted. Nathan's expression darkened, his jaw tightening.

"This company does not accept trash," he said, each word sharp as a blade.

Harrison nodded. "Understood." He'd have to find a way to handle Margaret Blackwood's request.

After a beat, Nathan spoke again, his tone indifferent. "Evict her from the apartment my mother arranged. I never want to see her again."

Harrison stiffened. Nathan's patience had run out. "Yes, sir." He didn't dare ask questions—just turned and left.

When Victoria received no response from Blackwood Enterprises, she returned to her apartment—only to find a polite but firm middle-aged man waiting at her door.

"Ms. Ashford," he said, "this property has been reclaimed. You'll need to vacate by tomorrow morning."

Victoria paled. "Madam Blackwood leased this place for me."

"We're acting on direct orders," the man replied. "The apartment will be cleared regardless of your presence."

An ultimatum.

"Am I being thrown out?" Victoria whispered. Who would dare defy Margaret's orders?

She already knew the answer.

She had crossed Nathan Blackwood one too many times.

With no other choice, Victoria packed her belongings that night and slunk back to the Ashford estate in disgrace.