Chapter 85

Nathan Blackwood glared at Tristan Whitmore with icy intensity, his chest tightening with an unfamiliar, suffocating pain. He couldn't understand why seeing Evelyn Sinclair not pull away when Tristan held her hand earlier had irritated him so deeply.

Tristan continued ranting beside him. "You didn't see who did it? Who would dare damage my baby? I had it custom-ordered from Italy and waited six weeks for that special shipment! That absolute bastard!"

At Sterling Corporation...

Days later, Olivia Kensington was officially terminated and charged with corporate espionage. The board's audit committee began investigating transactions handled by Victor Kensington. Their findings revealed he'd secretly sold off three percent of his shares at peak valuation months ago, exposing him as nothing more than a figurehead shareholder who'd deceived everyone.

When Bennett reported these developments, Evelyn simply sipped her espresso, her only reaction being a slight narrowing of her eyes. Bennett couldn't fathom her calm demeanor - wasn't she concerned about such a major development?

"Vice President Sinclair, should I trace who purchased his shares?" Bennett pressed. If Victor had sold to a competitor, they could be facing serious threats.

Evelyn chuckled softly, tossing a document onto her desk. "My brother anticipated this long ago. Do you really think he'd let corporate shares fall into enemy hands?" Bennett scanned the document, his eyebrows shooting up when he saw Evelyn listed as the assignee. "Brilliant! So Victor unknowingly sold to President Sterling's proxy, who then transferred them to you?"

Evelyn arched an eyebrow with a knowing smile. "Exactly. Alexander Sterling always stays ten steps ahead. Victor's shares were just a little welcome-home present he arranged for me." With Alexander's flight arriving that evening, Evelyn dragged Lucas - who'd been lounging at home - to the airport.

Determined to avoid another media circus like last time, they waited in the parking garage, nursing coffees in the quiet, nearly deserted space.

Within minutes, Alexander appeared in his signature understated style.

Evelyn instantly recognized his tall, commanding silhouette and those distinctive Sterling eyebrows. She leapt from the car, arms wide, and practically tackled him in a koala hug. "Welcome home, big brother!" Alexander laughed indulgently. "Missed me that much?"

"Desperately! Where's my present?"

Lucas bounded over with equal enthusiasm, arms outstretched for his own hug. "Welcome home, bro!" But before he could make contact, Alexander shoved him away with one hand. "Personal space, Lucas!"

Lucas gaped in disbelief while Evelyn dissolved into laughter. Alexander's assistant trailed behind, struggling with eight massive suitcases. Evelyn finally released her brother to eye the luggage with astonishment.

Meanwhile, Lucas huffed dramatically. "That's it - I'm disowning both of you!"

"Fine by me," Alexander retorted, turning to ruffle Evelyn's hair. "Don't mind him. Let's go home - I brought you seven boxes of gifts. Take whatever you want first, then maybe toss Lucas one or two things you don't like."

Lucas froze mid-step, whirling around with an expression of utter betrayal. "Could you at least pretend to be subtle about playing favorites?" he hissed through clenched teeth. "I swear I'm the most underappreciated A-list actor in Hollywood!"

The entourage of assistants trailing the Sterling siblings exchanged bewildered glances as they heaved the enormous packages, struggling to keep up with the bickering trio.