Chapter 63

The conference room remained in absolute silence for what felt like an eternity.

Victor Kensington's face flushed crimson, clearly unprepared for Evelyn Sinclair's counterattack. "This isn't—"

Evelyn cut him off without hesitation. "As you all received notification this morning, I'm assuming full control of Sterling Corporation during Mr. Sterling's absence."

Her piercing gaze swept across the room. "This project is under my authority. Anyone unwilling to participate may submit their resignation immediately. Your deputies will assume your responsibilities, and I'll personally brief Mr. Sterling on all developments."

The executives sat stunned. Each had clawed their way to their current positions through years of corporate warfare, with ambitious deputies constantly circling like sharks. No one dared make a move in this high-stakes moment.

Though they resented Evelyn's rapid ascent to Vice President, they'd all witnessed Alexander Sterling's unwavering support since her arrival. Crossing her meant risking everything.

Regret settled over those who'd followed Victor's lead in challenging Evelyn. The air grew thick with tension, the only sound being the nervous tapping of pens against notepads.

Victor realized his momentum had evaporated when not a single colleague continued the opposition.

"Richard Dawson," Evelyn addressed the Planning Department head sharply. "Can your team deliver the proposal by end of day?"

Richard snapped to attention. "Absolutely, Vice President Sinclair. My team will produce the optimal plan immediately after this meeting. We won't delay progress."

The other department heads, seasoned corporate survivors all, quickly followed suit with enthusiastic assurances. The atmosphere shifted palpably as Evelyn's expression softened.

"Excellent. And the other departments?"

"Research is already underway!"

"We've been preparing contingency plans for weeks!"

"Consider it done, Vice President!"

Evelyn nodded approvingly as the room filled with pledges of cooperation. Only Victor and Olivia Kensington remained silent and sullen in their seats—a detail Evelyn noted with satisfaction, knowing their days at Sterling Corporation were numbered.

As the meeting concluded, Evelyn checked her watch. "Though Kingsley Tech leads core development, we'll send two researchers to participate in later stages. HR should identify our top candidates immediately."

The executives lingered afterward, eager for private words with their suddenly approachable VP. Evelyn charmed each one, her earlier iciness replaced by warm professionalism.

Bennett appeared at her elbow, whispering urgently. "Vice President Sinclair, Chairman Blackwood has arrived."

Evelyn's eyebrow arched. "So soon? The old man's more impatient than I anticipated."

Protocol demanded she receive the Blackwood patriarch, given their corporate relationship. "Where is he waiting?"

"Your office, ma'am. He went straight there."

Evelyn suppressed a smile—of course the emerald pipe would bring him running. She chuckled softly before entering...only to freeze at the unexpected sight of Sophia Blackwood seated beside her grandfather.

"How rude!" the elder Blackwood snapped. "Entering without knocking!"

Evelyn's jaw tightened. Another power play? After surviving the boardroom ambush?

"Chairman Blackwood," she countered smoothly, "I never knock to enter my own office."