Chapter 28

"If she's so determined to end this marriage, then let it be done!" Nathan's voice boomed through the penthouse, his fingers tightening around the whiskey glass.

"Contact my attorney. Schedule the divorce proceedings at City Hall immediately."

Simon hesitated on the line. "Mr. Sterling, she's insisting on expediting the process. Her legal team is prepared to adjust to our schedule."

The crystal tumbler shattered against the marble floor as Nathan hurled his phone across the room.

His temples throbbed as he pressed his palms against his forehead.

"You heartless woman, Evelyn!"

Meanwhile at Kingsley Industries' Pamore headquarters, Evelyn strode into the executive boardroom with Olivia at her side.

Their reconciliation had led Olivia to postpone her return to Frenda. She'd chosen to support Evelyn's corporate ascent while managing their joint fashion venture.

"Gentlemen," Evelyn addressed the room with polished professionalism. "I'm Evelyn Carter, newly appointed General Manager by Kingsley Industries' headquarters. This is Olivia Sinclair, my strategic advisor."

She let her gaze sweep across the assembled executives. "I look forward to building Kingsley Industries' success together."

Most department heads were transplants from Darai, having established their power structures during the year-long setup phase.

The GM position had been their coveted prize - until corporate parachuted in this outsider.

Their research had uncovered only her three-year tenure as Sterling Enterprises' executive assistant. Nothing more.

"Welcome, Ms. Carter."

The greetings came through gritted teeth. All except one.

Trevor Maddox from R&D leaned back with a smirk. "So the Sterling Enterprises secretary becomes Kingsley Industries' general manager overnight."

His fingers drummed the conference table. "Should we be concerned about corporate espionage?"

Olivia's nails dug into her leather portfolio. Evelyn's subtle headshake stopped her intervention.

Trevor had been the frontrunner for GM before Evelyn's appointment. His department's performance metrics topped all divisions.

This was his opening salvo.

Evelyn's crimson lips curved without warmth. "Corporate oversight isn't your concern, Mr. Maddox. Kingsley's board doesn't make reckless appointments."

She'd studied each executive's dossier en route from Darai. Trevor's rebellion was anticipated.

"Well I don't recognize this appointment!" Trevor shoved back his chair. "I won't work under some corporate nepotism hire!"

The room froze. This was mutiny against headquarters' decree.

Evelyn didn't blink. She signaled the minute-taker. "Draft Mr. Maddox's termination papers. I'll sign them now."

The air crystallized.

Trevor's bravado faltered. This wasn't the reaction he'd anticipated from the supposed figurehead.

The secretary stood abruptly. "I'll prepare the documents immediately."

As she moved toward the door, Trevor's resolve crumbled. He forced a laugh. "Merely testing your mettle, Ms. Carter."

Evelyn's glacial stare didn't waver. "I don't test. I execute."

Sweat beaded on Trevor's brow. "My apologies. That was... unprofessional. You have my full cooperation."

"Meeting adjourned."

Evelyn's stilettos clicked decisively across the marble as she exited, Olivia falling into step beside her. The message had been delivered - this was no puppet regime.