Chapter 250

Rosalind lunged for Evelyn's phone.

Her fingers grasped empty air as Evelyn sidestepped with dancer-like grace.

"Corporate espionage carries a five-year sentence." Evelyn's lips curved into a feline smile. "Should I forward this footage to Chief Pembroke? I wonder which prison they'll assign you to?"

Rosalind's face drained of color. The reality of her situation crashed over her like icy waves. "Evelyn, please—"

"Please what?" Evelyn tilted her head. "Please ignore the fact you were stealing Kingsley Industries' trade secrets?"

Adrian leaned against the marble pillar, watching with amused detachment. "Tell me, Ms. Blackwell, is this your first corporate heist? Or just the first time you've been caught?"

Rosalind's manicured nails dug into her palms. She dropped to her knees, clutching Evelyn's blazer sleeve. "I'll disappear from your life! Change my name! Move to another continent! Just delete that video!"

Evelyn's frosty gaze didn't waver. "You must think I'm incredibly naive."

"Not naive—merciful!" Rosalind's voice cracked. "Think of the Sterling family's reputation! Nathan's standing in—"

Evelyn's laugh cut through the lobby like shattering crystal. "The Sterlings? Nathan? Since when did they ever show me basic human decency?"

Rosalind's mouth fell open. "But...you still love Nathan, don't you?"

"That," Evelyn said, adjusting her watch with deliberate slowness, "is the most hilarious thing I've heard all year." She leaned down until their faces were inches apart. "Here's your choice—turn yourself in within seventy-two hours, or I deliver this evidence personally. Clock's ticking."

As Evelyn strode toward the revolving doors, Rosalind collapsed onto the travertine floor like a marionette with severed strings.

Outside the Times Building, autumn leaves swirled around Evelyn's heels as she turned to Adrian. "That contract acquisition was masterfully done. Drinks at The Velvet Room tonight?"

Adrian's smirk deepened. "Just drinks? No...bonus rewards for your star negotiator?"

Evelyn pretended to consider, tapping one stiletto against the pavement. "For Kingsley Industries' new MVP? I suppose I'll need to prepare something special."

"Promises, promises," Adrian murmured, jingling his car keys. "Wait here—I'll bring the Aston around."

As Adrian disappeared into the parking structure, a midnight-blue Rolls-Royce glided to the curb. The tinted window descended to reveal Dominic's sharp profile.

"Evelyn."

"Brother dearest." She arched an eyebrow. "To what do I owe this royal summons?"

"Get in." He tapped the seat beside him. "We have matters to discuss."

After texting Adrian, Evelyn slid into the butter-soft leather interior. The car accelerated onto the expressway, Manhattan's skyline blurring past the windows in a kaleidoscope of steel and glass.

Evelyn's fingers tightened around her phone case as unfamiliar skyscrapers loomed ahead. "Dominic...where exactly are we going?"