Chapter 146

"No woman would ever accept a third person in her marriage, and Ms. Carter is certainly no different."

That might have been true for the Evelyn who was blindly devoted to Nathan. But now?

Everything had changed.

Nathan drew a deep breath, his momentary despair vanishing instantly. The defeated man from moments ago might as well have been an illusion.

"Let's go, Simon." With that, Nathan strode away.

The moment Evelyn returned to her Kingsley Industries office, an uninvited guest arrived.

Julian Hawthorne had received inside information about the failed collaboration between Kingsley Industries and Nexa Group.

Delighted by the news, he couldn't resist paying Evelyn a visit to witness her failure firsthand.

"Ms. Carter! You look positively exhausted. Work must be weighing heavily on you!" His voice dripped with barely concealed glee.

Without looking up, Evelyn replied, "You seem to have ample free time to wander into my office, Director Hawthorne."

With a smug half-smile, Julian pulled out a chair and sat across from her. "Success takes time, my dear. Rome wasn't built in a day. Though it is unfortunate you lost the Nexa Group deal."

Evelyn's hands stilled at his words.

Closing the file in her hands, she met his gaze squarely. "You're remarkably well-informed, Director Hawthorne. But aren't you celebrating prematurely?"

Julian burst into laughter.

"Quite right, Ms. Carter. We still have months before our one-year deadline. But achieving 30% growth isn't simple - setbacks are inevitable. I'm merely here to offer my... concern for both you and the company."

His arrogant tone made Evelyn's skin crawl. Julian stood, straightening his suit jacket.

"The young must learn through experience, no? After this lesson, I'm sure you'll grow - to Kingsley Industries' benefit."

Just then, a knock interrupted them.

Maxwell entered, glancing briefly at Julian before addressing Evelyn. "Ms. Carter, Mr. Montgomery from Nexa Group sent over a revised contract. They're offering a 5% profit concession to amend—"

Julian's triumphant expression shattered.

This development blindsided him completely.

His sources had confirmed Nexa Group's refusal to work with Kingsley Industries. How could they now be offering better terms?

Meanwhile, Evelyn couldn't suppress a smile. Theodore Montgomery was proving more astute than she'd anticipated - a true business mastermind.

Raising an eyebrow at Julian, she said lightly, "I'm afraid I must disappoint you, Director Hawthorne. The Nexa Group collaboration is secured."

Julian's jaw clenched, but he forced a tight smile. "You've done... remarkably well, Ms. Carter."

With that, he stormed out.

Watching his furious exit, Evelyn barely contained her laughter. Turning to Maxwell, she asked, "Is this truly Nexa Group's decision?"