Chapter 62

To Archibald, the esteemed butler of Sterling Manor, it was unthinkable that Miss Evelyn Sinclair should drive herself around the city.

A proper lady of her standing required a chauffeur at all times. Anything less would reflect poorly on his professionalism.

Evelyn chuckled lightly into the phone. "Archibald, really now. I'm perfectly capable of driving myself to the office. Don't trouble yourself over it."

She ended the call before he could protest further. The sleek Porsche Cayenne purred to life as she pulled out of the garage, the morning sun glinting off its flawless silver finish.

The roads were unusually clear for rush hour. Evelyn noticed with amusement how other vehicles seemed to magically create space around her car. Even at stoplights, drivers maintained a cautious three-meter buffer zone.

"Honestly," she muttered, "do I look that dangerous behind the wheel?"

Arriving at Sterling Corporation headquarters, Evelyn handed her keys to the valet. As she strode through the marble lobby, she caught Olivia Kensington glaring daggers at her from the reception area.

Evelyn arched an eyebrow. Had Olivia discovered she'd given Alexander the recording? That seemed improbable - the information shouldn't have leaked so quickly.

"Ms. Kensington," Evelyn called sweetly, "aren't you coming up? The meeting starts in ten minutes."

Olivia's lips curled in disdain. "Mr. Sterling must be quite taken with you to gift such an expensive vehicle. That Porsche must have cost at least two million, no?"

As if Evelyn couldn't afford her own luxury cars. She tossed her hair over one shoulder with deliberate nonchalance. "How provincial of you to assume I couldn't purchase it myself."

Letting her gaze linger on Olivia's flushed cheeks, Evelyn turned toward the private elevator without another word. That used Audi bribe had been particularly insulting.

Upstairs, Bennett briefed her on the meeting agenda. Evelyn entered the conference room in crisp stilettos, Olivia trailing behind with poorly concealed resentment.

Scanning the assembled executives, Evelyn noted Victor Kensington's unusual presence. The wily board member typically avoided these meetings. His fox-like smile suggested he'd come specifically to watch the fireworks.

"Let's begin," Evelyn announced.

The Kingsley Tech partnership details required meticulous negotiation. Every clause represented millions in potential profit. Yet the department heads - many of whom were shareholders - dragged their feet at every proposal from Evelyn's team.

Victor finally broke his silence. "Vice President Sinclair, you must understand our hesitation. While you secured this Kingsley Tech deal, the field remains volatile. We can't risk too much capital without Mr. Sterling's approval."

Evelyn's smile turned razor-sharp. "Are you suggesting we breach our contract with Kingsley Tech, Mr. Kensington?"

Victor paled. Alexander would have his head for that. "Of course not! I merely propose we table discussions until Mr. Sterling returns."

Evelyn's knuckles whitened around her pen. Every delayed decision eroded their competitive edge in this emerging market. If Sterling Corp lost its leadership position, the entire venture would become meaningless.

Her gaze turned glacial as it swept across the table. "So none of you can function without Mr. Sterling holding your hands? Is this a strike?"

The room fell silent, shocked by her uncharacteristic sharpness. The pampered heiress facade had slipped, revealing steel beneath.

"You're all industry leaders," Evelyn continued, voice like tempered glass. "If you'll sabotage progress simply because the CEO is traveling, who will bear the financial consequences? What company would want executives who crumble without constant supervision?"

She let the question hang, watching comprehension dawn on their faces.

They'd thought to intimidate her in Alexander's absence. How unfortunate for them that Evelyn Sinclair was nobody's pushover.