Chapter 287

"Perhaps it's merely a coincidence she shares the Kingsley surname."

"Exactly. Look at her. Does she appear to be some privileged heiress?"

Vivienne Chambers glanced in that direction and nodded in agreement with Giselle.

"Never mind. She's not my focus today."

Giselle smiled knowingly. "Of course, Ms. Chambers. I'm aware Mr. Whitmore is your primary objective."

Vivienne hummed in acknowledgment, not bothering to deny it.

Giselle leaned in conspiratorially. "Mr. Whitmore is such an exceptional catch. You must secure him, Ms. Chambers. Men of his caliber are rare. Landing him would be a monumental social triumph."

Vivienne tossed her hair arrogantly. "Naturally. Men might dabble with innocent types occasionally, but what they truly desire is sophistication and allure. I have no doubt I'll captivate him."

With that declaration, she confidently followed the group.

The team boarded a luxury van to Sterling Enterprises. As Dunhill's premier corporation, its headquarters radiated opulence.

A banner at the entrance proclaimed: "Welcome Ms. Kingsley and Mr. Whitmore to Sterling Enterprises."

When they disembarked, cheers erupted from the assembled crowd. They escorted Evelyn Carter and Harrison Whitmore into the gleaming lobby.

"Mr. Whitmore, our conference room is on the penthouse level. Please follow me." Vivienne positioned herself beside Harrison, her demeanor dripping with calculated charm.

Evelyn moved to join them but found her path blocked by Giselle. "Ms. Kingsley, let's take the next elevator."

Evelyn's brow furrowed in displeasure.

The doors slid shut before Harrison noticed Evelyn's absence. "Where's Evelyn?" he asked Maxwell.

Maxwell responded quickly, "She must have missed this one. Shall I check?"

Vivienne interjected smoothly, "The elevator was at capacity. Not to worry—my assistant remained behind too. She'll escort Ms. Kingsley up shortly."

Harrison said nothing as they proceeded to the top floor where Donovan Prescott, Sterling's CEO, awaited them in the conference room.

Meanwhile, when Evelyn arrived upstairs, the meeting was already underway.

Giselle intercepted her at the doors. "Ms. Kingsley, the discussions have begun. Interrupting now would be inappropriate. Perhaps you'd prefer to wait in the lounge?"

Evelyn's patience finally snapped.

Her voice turned icy. "Is this your decision, or Sterling Enterprises' official policy?"

Giselle maintained her professional mask. "Merely a courtesy, Ms. Kingsley. The executives are deep in negotiations. An interruption could derail—"

"So you took it upon yourself to exclude me?"

Giselle gave a practiced nod. "I'm considering what's best for this partnership."

Evelyn's eyes flashed with determination. "Then understand this—if I'm not in that room within sixty seconds, there will be no partnership to consider."

Giselle's lips curled in derision. "Ms. Kingsley, are you truly that delusional? Do you honestly believe a multi-billion dollar deal hinges on your presence?"