Chapter 142
Evelyn's voice carried effortlessly across the boardroom, crisp and professional. Her poised demeanor instantly commanded respect from the assembled executives.
"However, there are several critical oversights we should address."
The sudden shift in her tone sent murmurs rippling through the room. Eyebrows raised as colleagues exchanged skeptical glances.
"What exactly are you referring to, Ms. Carter?" Victoria's voice cut through the tension, laced with barely concealed irritation.
She had spent weeks perfecting every slide, triple-checking each data point. The thought of Evelyn - someone she considered utterly unqualified - daring to critique her work made her blood boil.
"Ms. Carter, I invited you as Kingsley Industries' president, not as some amateur critic. How dare you speak with such authority when you clearly lack basic understanding!"
Victoria's words hung in the air, sharp as knives. In her field, she was considered elite - lightyears ahead of someone like Evelyn.
Theodore began nervously mopping his brow, stepping forward as mediator. "Ms. Sinclair, perhaps we should hear Ms. Carter's perspective first?"
His eyes darted toward Harrison, seeking support. The CEO remained impassive, though his gaze never left Evelyn.
"Ms. Sinclair," Harrison interjected smoothly, "there's no need for hostility. I'm certain Ms. Carter has substantive feedback, not petty criticisms."
Victoria's cheeks flushed crimson. "By all means," she spat, crossing her arms.
Evelyn remained unruffled, flipping to the first slide with elegant precision. "The primary error is fundamental - you've conflated 'nanobiotechnology' with 'nanobiological theory.' They're completely distinct disciplines."
A collective gasp filled the room. Even junior staff recognized this basic distinction.
Victoria's face drained of color. Such an elementary mistake - and she'd missed it completely.
Nathan suppressed a smile. Evelyn's attention to detail surpassed even his own, let alone Victoria's.
"Though this is merely the most obvious example," Evelyn continued, methodically advancing through the presentation. With each slide, she exposed another flaw - some subtle, others glaring.
The atmosphere grew electric, executives leaning forward in their seats.
Victoria swayed slightly, her assistant's steadying hand the only thing preventing her collapse. Each pointed critique landed like a physical blow, dismantling her professional pride slide by devastating slide.