Chapter 64

Prearranged Confrontation

Evelyn Sinclair strode confidently to her executive chair, the click of her heels echoing through the spacious office. She tossed the files onto her mahogany desk with practiced ease before powering up her computer.

Across from her, Reginald Blackwood's face darkened with each passing second of being ignored. His knuckles turned white around his cane.

"Evelyn," he spat through gritted teeth, "I've clearly misjudged you all these years."

The elderly patriarch's cold laughter sent chills through the room. "How resourceful you've become. No wonder you initiated the divorce so readily. You'd already secured your next position before leaving my grandson." His cane struck the floor with a sharp crack. "Vice President of Sterling Corporation straight after divorcing Nathan? Alexander must truly favor you."

Evelyn's lips curved into a humorless smile as she surveyed the Blackwoods. Sophia stood trembling behind her grandfather, but the old man had come armed for battle.

"Wasn't it your family who demanded the divorce?" Evelyn leaned back in her chair, fingers steepled. "Tell me, Chairman Blackwood, why summon me weekly to Aspen Lodge just to remind me of my unworthiness? Now that I'm gone, shouldn't you be celebrating?" Her gaze turned glacial. "Yet here you are - in my office. Why?"

She remembered those humiliating Sundays too well - Margaret's cruel jabs, Sophia's petty torments, all sanctioned by the patriarch's silent approval. The entire household had treated her like dirt beneath their designer shoes.

Reginald's face purpled with rage. "How dare you take that tone with me! After everything our family—"

"This is Sterling Corporation," Evelyn cut in smoothly. "There are no family ties here - only business associates. I'm entertaining this meeting as a professional courtesy." She checked her diamond-encrusted watch pointedly. "State your business or leave. Unlike you, I don't have time for theatrics."

Sophia gasped. "You can't speak to Grandfather like that! His health—"

Evelyn's laugh was sharp as broken glass. "Not my concern anymore. Did you come here expecting me to grovel?" She pressed her intercom. "Bennett, please prepare to escort our guests out."

Reginald's cane slammed down again. "Enough! The emerald pipe - name your price." His breathing grew labored. "That heirloom is priceless to our family. Whatever ridiculous sum you're imagining, I'll pay it."

Evelyn arched a perfectly groomed brow. "Ah, the real purpose reveals itself." She let the silence stretch unbearably long. "As I told your daughter-in-law and granddaughter, it's not for sale."

Veins bulged at Reginald's temples. "Don't play games with me, girl! This is your only chance—"

"Just like when you offered me 'any price' to divorce Nathan?" Evelyn's voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. "I didn't want your money then. I certainly don't need it now."

For three years they'd watched her like a common thief, certain she'd married for wealth. Nathan's monthly "blood money" payments were the only funds they'd permitted her to touch.

Sophia suddenly found her voice. "You're doing this out of spite! Keeping Grandfather's treasure hostage to punish us!"

Evelyn shrugged, the picture of nonchalance. "If that's what helps you sleep at night." Her smile didn't reach her eyes. "But yes."

The admission hung in the air like a guillotine's blade.