Chapter 136

Harrison Whitmore's expression darkened instantly at Evelyn's words. His fingers tightened around the crystal tumbler, the amber liquid inside swirling violently.

The Sterling family's mistreatment of Evelyn still burned in his memory - how Eleanor and Vanessa had tormented her for years.

"Mr. Whitmore, what an honor!" Vanessa Sterling chirped, completely oblivious to the tension as she extended her manicured hand toward Harrison.

Her outstretched hand hung awkwardly in the air, receiving no response.

Flushing crimson, Vanessa withdrew her hand with forced composure. "To become CEO of Horizon Technologies at your age is truly remarkable."

"I was hoping Sterling Enterprises might have the privilege of working with your company."

Harrison's smile didn't reach his cold eyes. "Flattery won't change my mind, Ms. Sterling. We won't be collaborating."

The brutal rejection made Vanessa's smile falter.

Gasps rippled through the crowd. No one dared snub the Sterling family in Pamore this way.

Vanessa stood frozen, her carefully constructed mask slipping. Never in her life had she been publicly humiliated like this.

"Mr. Whitmore," she hissed through clenched teeth, "do you understand who you're speaking to? Crossing the Sterlings has consequences."

Her gaze flicked venomously toward Evelyn. "Unless... you're doing this for her?"

"My business decisions are none of your concern, Ms. Sterling."

Vanessa's eyes burned with jealous rage. How could Harrison defend this divorced nobody?

Was he blind?

"Do you even know what she is?" Vanessa spat. "That woman was nothing but a pathetic stray my family took in. Her very presence disgusts me."

CRACK!

The sharp sound of Evelyn's palm connecting with Vanessa's cheek echoed through the room.

Vanessa staggered back, clutching her stinging face in shock. "You dare strike me?"

She lunged forward, only to be intercepted by Harrison's iron grip.

"Compose yourself, Ms. Sterling," he warned coldly.

Evelyn's voice cut like ice. "That was for insulting my dignity. Consider it a lesson in manners."

"You'll regret this!" Vanessa struggled against Harrison's hold. "My family will make you pay!"

Evelyn arched a brow. "Can you truly speak for the Sterlings?"

The question gave Vanessa pause.

"Remember," Evelyn continued smoothly, "I have Kingsley Industries and the Carters behind me. Do you really think Nathan would challenge them... or sacrifice you to keep the peace?"

Each word struck Vanessa like a physical blow. The truth burned - she couldn't represent her family, and Nathan would never risk their empire for her pride.

"Vanessa," Evelyn said with chilling calm, "the world isn't kind to those who act without thinking. You should remember that."