Chapter 257

But Isabella wasn't worth that kind of money!

"Three months. Just get her out for three months. Negotiate to reduce the bail by half. If they agree, transfer the funds immediately!"

"Yes, Mr. Sterling."

At Kingsley Industries, Evelyn was in the middle of a global conference call.

When the meeting concluded, Maxwell knocked on her office door. "Ms. Carter, legal representatives from Sterling Enterprises are here. They wish to—"

Evelyn cut him off. "Let our attorneys deal with it. Just brief me on the outcome."

"Understood, Ms. Carter."

As Maxwell exited, he nearly collided with Julian at the doorway. His expression remained neutral as he greeted, "Director Hawthorne."

Julian flashed a practiced smile. "Mr. Donovan, you've been by Mr. Kingsley's side for years. No need for such formality with me."

Maxwell gave a slight nod. "How may I assist you, Director Hawthorne?"

Julian's gaze flickered toward the closed office door. "I'm here to see Ms. Carter."

Without waiting for permission, he strode past Maxwell and entered Evelyn's office. "Ms. Carter, am I interrupting?"

Recognizing the voice, Evelyn swiftly covered her documents and looked up with a cool smile. "Director Hawthorne, to what do I owe this visit?"

Julian made himself comfortable on the sofa uninvited, then adopted a carefully crafted expression of hesitation. "Ms. Carter, I've come today because... there's something you should know."

Evelyn's smile didn't reach her eyes. "What could possibly warrant a personal visit from you, Director Hawthorne?"

Dropping all pretense, Julian went straight for the jugular. "It's about Mr. Prescott."

He deliberately paused, watching for Evelyn's reaction. Her face remained an unreadable mask.

"What about Mr. Prescott?"

Julian feigned regret. "Ms. Carter, it seems you're still unaware! Our accountant, Mr. Pierce, has filed a formal complaint against Mr. Prescott."

Evelyn's brows furrowed. "Explain."

Julian pretended to be shocked. "Your team hasn't informed you? I heard Mr. Prescott has been abusing his position for personal gain—embezzling substantial company funds. Mr. Pierce discovered this and has already reported him to the authorities."

"What?" Evelyn shot to her feet, her expression turning stormy. "Adrian embezzling? That's absurd!"

As the Prescott heir, why would he need to steal petty cash?

Julian couldn't suppress his smirk at her dramatic reaction. "Ms. Carter, human nature is unpredictable. Especially when faced with such... tempting sums."

Evelyn stood her ground. "He would never do something so beneath him."

Julian shook his head with mock sympathy. "Your faith in him is touching. But facts don't lie. Perhaps a few million means nothing to you—"

"But to an ordinary employee like Mr. Prescott," Julian continued smoothly, "who only earns a modest salary each month, that's life-changing money. Not to mention—"

Evelyn actually laughed.

Her icy gaze locked onto Julian. Someone was clearly setting Adrian up, but they'd done a sloppy job of it.

They didn't even know his true identity as the Prescott heir, yet dared accuse him of embezzlement? As if the Prescott fortune wasn't enough?

Composing herself instantly, Evelyn spoke with measured calm. "Director Hawthorne, have you verified these allegations thoroughly? We mustn't wrongfully accuse anyone."