Chapter 252

"Evelyn, listen to me." Dominic's voice was firm yet gentle. "One failed marriage doesn't define your worth. As a Kingsley, you deserve nothing but the best."

Evelyn felt warmth spread through her chest at her brother's words. "I know, Dominic. Having family like you means everything."

Dominic reached out, tousling her hair affectionately. "Since when did my little sister become so serious? Matters of the heart should follow your instincts, but..."

His sentence trailed off meaningfully.

Evelyn nodded, though she noticed Dominic was unusually chatty today. "Since when did my big brother become such a gossip?" she teased.

"Gossip?" Dominic arched an eyebrow. "I'm simply looking out for you. When it comes to your happiness, we can't afford any more mistakes."

His expression turned serious. "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice... well, let's just say as long as it's not Nathan Sterling, whoever you choose will have the full support of our family."

The unspoken message was clear - the Kingsleys would never accept Nathan again.

Evelyn murmured softly, "Understood, Dominic. Don't worry about me."

As she spoke, a weight seemed to lift from her shoulders. Gazing out the window, she lost herself in thought.

Meanwhile, in Julian Hawthorne's office at Kingsley Industries, the director was absentmindedly fidgeting with a newly acquired crystal paperweight when a sharp knock interrupted him.

"Enter."

The door swung open to reveal Donovan Pierce, his assistant. "Director Hawthorne," Donovan announced, "we've secured the Dunhill contract."

The crystal paperweight slipped from Julian's fingers, shattering on the hardwood floor with an expensive crash.

Millions of dollars evaporated in that single moment. Julian's face darkened, his jaw tightening visibly.

"Repeat that," he demanded through clenched teeth.

"The bid results are confirmed. Kingsley Industries won the tender."

Julian's expression turned thunderous. He'd never anticipated Evelyn Carter could outmaneuver him so completely.

"Just friendship?" he muttered under his breath. "That Adrian Prescott is pouring his soul into Kingsley Industries. Rumor has it he personally secured Dunhill. Don't you have anything to say about that?"

Dominic had pressed her earlier. "Business and personal matters shouldn't mix," Evelyn had deflected.

But Dominic persisted. "And Harrison Whitmore? What are your thoughts about him?"

Everyone knew Harrison's feelings - he'd literally risked his life for Evelyn. With their families' longstanding connection, he seemed the perfect match.

Evelyn had sighed. "Dominic, Harrison is... too good for someone like me."

"Since when did my sister develop such low self-esteem?" Dominic had countered. "You're the Kingsley heiress. In terms of status, you're perfectly matched."

Evelyn shook her head slightly. "Love isn't about being worthy. It's just... I'm afraid."

The scars from her past made her hesitant to accept Harrison's affection, always keeping him at arm's length.

The Dunhill project was massive - long-term, high-profit. Its earnings alone could account for 10% of Kingsley Industries' annual revenue.

Evelyn had truly blindsided him.

"Director Hawthorne," Donovan ventured carefully, "I don't believe Ms. Carter acted alone. This was Adrian Prescott's doing."

Julian's eyes narrowed. "The background check you ran on him showed nothing remarkable. Removing him would cut off Evelyn's strongest ally."

"Precisely why his lack of connections works in our favor," Julian mused darkly. "But can we simply make him disappear?"

Donovan lowered his voice. "Rumor has it Adrian is considering leaving Kingsley Industries."

Julian's gaze sharpened. "Is that so?"

"Just hearsay for now. At most, he'll stay to oversee Dunhill, but once completed..."

A cold smirk twisted Julian's lips. "Adrian's competence is undeniable, but Dunhill won't be smooth sailing. Winning the bid is just the beginning - many obstacles could still arise."

Donovan hesitated before delivering the final blow. "With only six months remaining in your wager with Ms. Carter... current projections show company profits already..."

This was precisely Julian's greatest concern.