Chapter 486

Penelope Ashford's face twisted in frustration as she confronted Victoria Ashford. She could no longer contain her anger and delivered a stinging slap across Victoria's cheek.

"This is all your doing! What exactly did you say to upset Evelyn Sinclair?" Penelope's voice dripped with venom. "The entire elite circle is mocking me for having such an incompetent sister!"

The high society circles were tight-knit, and word traveled fast.

Ashford Group might have been influential domestically, but it paled in comparison to the global powerhouse that was Sterling Worldwide.

Penelope knew Evelyn moved in entirely different circles - the crème de la crème of international society that she could only dream of joining.

Victoria's cheek burned from the impact, but the humiliation cut deeper.

So Evelyn had known all along about Victoria's schemes.

Rather than confronting Victoria directly, Evelyn had gone straight to Ashford Group, forcing the entire family to bear responsibility for Victoria's actions. This was Evelyn's way of demonstrating the vast gulf between them.

With one casual move, Evelyn had rendered both Victoria and Ashford Group powerless to retaliate. The message was clear - Evelyn played in a league far beyond their reach.

Seeing Victoria's pitiful expression reminded Penelope of her stepmother's similar look when she'd destroyed their family. The memory only fueled her rage further.

Penelope delivered a sharp kick to Victoria's shin. "Out with it! What exactly did you do?"

With no other choice, Victoria confessed everything.

At Sterling Worldwide headquarters, Evelyn was reviewing departmental reports when Bennett entered her office. "Ms. Sterling."

Evelyn nodded to the department head, who took the cue to exit immediately.

Bennett cleared his throat. "Chairman Ashford just called. Victoria Ashford wishes to apologize in person. They're also inquiring about potential collaboration."

A dry chuckle escaped Evelyn's lips.

When Nathan Blackwood had first introduced her to Reginald Ashford, the man had been so arrogant, believing Ferguson Corporation's backing made him untouchable.

Looking back, the memory was both amusing and pathetic.

"Why is Ashford Group panicking over such a minor project withdrawal? They're being rather... desperate."

Evelyn's eyes gleamed with calculation. "Forget about collaboration. Sterling Worldwide has no interest."

Bennett immediately grasped her meaning. "Understood, Ms. Sterling. Though we shouldn't underestimate their influence."

Evelyn's lips curved into a knowing smile. "Ashford Group isn't the only player in town. Their biggest competitor, Kensington Group, has already reached out. Feel free to share that information with the Ashfords."

Evelyn wasn't concerned about burning bridges or lost opportunities.

Reginald Ashford had shown his true colors by sending his daughter to Sterling Worldwide without proper protocol - a clear sign of disrespect.

If Ashford Group couldn't be bothered with basic business etiquette, Evelyn saw no reason to entertain them.

Bennett nodded briskly. "Consider it done."

Satisfied, Evelyn glanced at her phone to find a voice message from Oliver Sinclair.

"Pretty Lady! I want to take you to a fancy candlelit dinner!" Oliver's sugary voice melted Evelyn's resolve.

She couldn't bring herself to refuse the adorable request. "It's a date!" she replied, realizing how much she'd missed the little boy.

Remembering Oliver's fondness for Leo, Evelyn immediately contacted Lucas to arrange for the AI tiger's delivery.

Within fifteen minutes, Lucas Sterling made his dramatic entrance at Sterling Worldwide headquarters - sunglasses perched on his perfect nose, stepping out of a flashy sports car that turned every head in the building.

His breathtaking appearance quickly became the hottest topic across social media.

When Lucas spotted his sister, he ran a hand through his artfully tousled hair with exaggerated flair.

"Sigh. What must I do to be just a little less dazzling?" He flashed a megawatt smile. "You should capitalize on this free publicity. Got any new diamond collections needing endorsement?"

Evelyn rolled her eyes. "Our new line targets innocent young consumers. If we put your scandalous face on it, we'd lose millions this quarter!"

Lucas's smile froze into a comical grimace.