Chapter 111

Evelyn's piercing gaze swept across the boardroom before landing on Julian Hawthorne. Her lips pressed into a thin line as she demanded, "Explain yourself, Director Hawthorne."

"Prove your worth with tangible results. Let's make it simple - 30% growth."

"If you can boost Kingsley Industries' performance by 30%, the presidency is yours. Fail, and well... let's just say convincing the board won't be so easy."

Silence.

Julian's outrageous demand sent murmurs through the assembled executives. A 30% increase? Impossible. Not even Dominic Kingsley could achieve such numbers.

He was setting her up for failure.

"Director Hawthorne," Evelyn countered coolly, "We both know even a 10% growth would be challenging for an international conglomerate like Kingsley Industries."

"What exactly are you trying to accomplish with this impossible demand?" Derek Monroe couldn't contain his outburst, though no other board member dared speak up.

Julian merely shrugged. "Only such a challenge can truly demonstrate Ms. Carter's capabilities."

"Should she succeed, every director here would support her presidency - not just me."

"You—!" Derek's face flushed with anger.

Evelyn placed a restraining hand on his arm before locking eyes with Julian. "Is this your final offer?"

"Unless you're afraid to accept?" Julian's smirk was predatory.

A slow smile curved Evelyn's lips. "Since you've issued the challenge, refusing would be... impolite. However—"

The room erupted in whispers.

"She actually accepted! Does she understand what 30% means?"

"That's expanding operations by a third! The profit margins alone—"

"Pigs will fly first."

"Youthful arrogance. She doesn't grasp the impossibility."

Julian's laugh dripped with condescension. "However what, Ms. Carter? Speak freely."

"We need consequences." Evelyn's voice cut through the murmurs.

Julian's eyes gleamed. She'd walked right into his trap. "Then let's make it official."

"Name your terms."

"If you fail to achieve 30% growth within one year, you resign immediately and forfeit all claims to the presidency."

Evelyn's smile didn't reach her eyes. "And if I succeed?"

Julian's booming laugh echoed through the boardroom. The woman was delusional. 30% growth? Impossible.

Already envisioning her removal, he declared, "Should you somehow succeed, I'll surrender my voting rights."

"I'll retain dividend privileges but abstain from all future corporate decisions."

Gasps filled the room. "Director Hawthorne, reconsider! This isn't a joking matter!"

"You've contributed so much to Kingsley Industries. Don't make rash decisions!"

Julian waved them off with arrogant confidence. "My word is my bond."

Evelyn arched one perfect eyebrow. "Then we have an agreement."

As the meeting adjourned, Derek followed Evelyn to her office, anxiety lining his face.

"Ms. Carter, they're deliberately sabotaging you. Why accept? A 30% increase is—"

Evelyn knew exactly what it was.