Chapter 244

Adrian Prescott's proposal got the green light from every board member.

The moment the meeting adjourned, Evelyn Carter strode out first, her heels clicking decisively against the marble floor. Maxwell Donovan followed half a step behind, still briefing her on the quarterly projections.

They were just steps away from her office when a familiar voice rang out. "Evelyn!"

Rosalind Blackwell emerged from the waiting area, her designer dress swaying elegantly with each step.

Evelyn's fingers tightened around her tablet. Since the divorce, she'd severed all ties with the Sterling family completely. Not a single Blackwell had reached out in months. So what brought Rosalind to Kingsley Industries now?

"Ms. Blackwell," Evelyn kept her tone polite but distant. "This is unexpected."

Rosalind lifted a silver thermos with a practiced smile. "Grandmother insisted I bring you her special herbal soup."

Evelyn handed her files to Maxwell without breaking eye contact. "Implement the changes we discussed."

"Yes, Ms. Carter."

Once alone, Evelyn gestured toward her office. "Shall we?"

Rosalind followed, her gaze sweeping over Evelyn's sleek modern workspace with poorly concealed surprise. The timid girl who'd once blended into the Sterling family's shadows now commanded the room like a queen holding court.

"You've changed," Rosalind murmured as she perched on the edge of the sofa.

Evelyn accepted the offered bowl without comment. The fragrant steam carried memories she'd rather forget.

"Grandmother still considers you family, you know." Rosalind's voice took on a conspiratorial tone. "Despite everything with Nathan."

The porcelain clinked as Evelyn set it down untouched. "Some chapters are meant to stay closed, Ms. Blackwell."

"But Nathan still cares!" Rosalind leaned forward. "You saw how he protected you at Grandmother's gala."

Evelyn's lips curved without warmth. "Tell me, are you seeing anyone these days?"

Rosalind's manicured fingers twisted in her lap. "I-I'm waiting for the right person. No need to rush into anything."

"Funny." Evelyn stood, signaling the end of their chat. "Neither am I."

The unspoken words hung between them - she'd rather remain single than settle for being Nathan Sterling's consolation prize again.

A flicker of relief crossed Rosalind's face before she schooled her features. As long as Evelyn stayed away from Nathan, her own plans could proceed undisturbed.

But the soup delivery had merely been her opening move. The real game was just beginning.

"You must think I'm terribly nosy." Rosalind laughed too brightly as she rose to leave. The thermos remained on the desk, its contents cooling untouched.