Chapter 126

The official statement from Kingsley Industries dropped like a bombshell.

"All allegations against Ms. Evelyn Carter are categorically false. At no point has she harmed any individual involved in this matter."

"Law enforcement has conducted thorough investigations with irrefutable evidence supporting these findings."

"Regarding the defamatory accusations made by Delaney Group, we reserve full legal rights to pursue compensatory action."

The internet erupted instantly.

"Talk about shooting yourself in the foot! The Delaneys just played their entire hand and lost spectacularly."

"Anyone with half a brain can see Evelyn's innocent. This was a blatant smear campaign that backfired horribly!"

"Not pressing charges? That reeks of guilt. They knew their case would crumble in court!"

But the real knockout punch came hours later.

A leaked audio recording surfaced - Alistair Delaney's private hospital conversation with Evelyn, demanding an outrageous settlement.

"One billion dollars? Is this some sick joke?"

"Daylight robbery doesn't even begin to cover it. The Delaneys have lost their damn minds!"

"At this point, Monopoly money would be more realistic. The audacity!"

The backlash was nuclear. Delaney Group's stock plummeted 10% within thirty minutes. By market close, shares hit the daily limit down.

Olivia Sinclair nearly choked on her champagne when she saw the trending topics. "Karma's a beautiful bitch, isn't it?"

Evelyn scrolled through the updates calmly. "Isabella's lost her pregnancy privilege. Bail revocation means she's going straight to remand."

"With our evidence? That's twenty years minimum."

A thoughtful pause. "Though it's curious Nathan hasn't made a peep. Wasn't that supposed to be his miracle baby?"

Evelyn's shrug was ice-cold. "Irrelevant. That chapter's closed permanently."

"Damn right!" Olivia tackled her with a celebratory hug. "Forget him! Harrison Whitmore's been eyeing you at every gala. Now there's a proper catch!"

Evelyn shook her head. "He's never been married. I'm divorced. That math doesn't work."

"Since when do you care about society's rules?" Olivia planted exaggerated kisses on her cheeks. "This new pragmatic you? Obsessed. Men are distractions. Money never is."

The fallout continued mercilessly. Isabella was escorted from her penthouse in handcuffs. Delaney Group's clients terminated contracts en masse.

Meanwhile, Kingsley Industries secured three major Delaney accounts before sunset.

The hunter had become the hunted.

And the prey had no escape.