Chapter 139

The moment Evelyn Carter settled into her chair, the conference room doors swung open. A sharp click of stilettos announced the arrival of a woman in her early thirties. Her designer glasses perched on a nose held high, exuding icy professionalism.

She carried a stack of files like weapons, addressing Nathan Sterling the second she entered. "Mr. Sterling, what an unexpected pleasure."

Nathan's gaze lifted, one eyebrow arching in recognition. "Ms. Sinclair."

Victoria Sinclair, Nexa Group's tech director, gave a curt nod before turning laser-focused eyes on Evelyn. Disdain dripped from her voice. "And this must be the famous Ms. Carter?"

Every syllable carried venom.

Evelyn's fingers tightened around her pen. She'd never met this woman, yet the hostility was palpable. "Evelyn Carter. A pleasure."

Victoria's arms crossed like a barricade. "Oh, I know exactly who you are. Mr. Sterling's discarded wife."

The temperature in the room plummeted.

"At such a tender age, you've somehow landed the presidency of Kingsley Industries." Victoria's smirk was razor-sharp. "I'm curious - how much do you actually know about quantum computing? Or are you just a pretty figurehead propped up by family connections?"

Evelyn kept her voice steady. "I'm familiar with the fundamentals."

Victoria's eyes flashed. She'd come specifically for this - to humiliate the woman who'd married then divorced her cousin's lover. When Nexa proposed collaborating with Kingsley, she'd seized the opportunity.

"Business isn't child's play, Ms. Carter. If you're out of your depth, do us all a favor and resign before you embarrass yourself further."

Evelyn's smile didn't waver. "Constructive criticism is always welcome, Ms. Sinclair. I'm here to learn."

Victoria slammed her palms on the table. "Learn? Is that what you call wasting our time?" Her voice turned lethal. "Are Kingsley's standards so low they'd send an amateur to negotiate with Nexa? Or is this your idea of a joke?"

The door burst open before Evelyn could respond.

"Ms. Sinclair, you're misinterpreting the situation." Harrison Whitmore strode in, his custom Tom Ford suit hugging broad shoulders. The air crackled with his presence.

Victoria's haughty demeanor shattered. "Mr. Whitmore!" Her voice climbed an octave.

Harrison ignored her, pulling out the chair beside Evelyn. His knee brushed hers as he sat. "Evelyn's here at my personal invitation." He steepled his fingers. "Horizon Technologies fully endorses Kingsley's participation. Unless you're questioning my judgment?"

The unspoken threat hung heavy.

Victoria backpedaled instantly. "Of course not! I merely—"

"Merely what?" Harrison's gaze turned glacial. "Attempting to sabotage a potential partner before negotiations begin?"

Victoria's throat worked. She'd never anticipated Evelyn having Harrison Whitmore's protection. The man was a myth in their circles - untouchable. What was their relationship? The divorce from Nathan had only just been finalized...

The implications made her palms sweat.