Chapter 312

Olivia let out a frustrated sigh. "That wretched Isabella is becoming insufferable with her arrogance."

Evelyn placed a calming hand on her friend's shoulder. "Let her enjoy her moment of triumph. Her downfall will come soon enough."

A dangerous glimmer flashed in Evelyn's emerald eyes.

As she ended the call, Maxwell entered the office. "Ms. Carter, we've arranged the meeting with Maximilian. He's expecting us at Blackwood Manor tomorrow at 8 pm."

Evelyn's lips curved into a predatory smile. "Inform him we wouldn't miss it for the world."

Maxwell hesitated. "Should we notify Kingsley Industries headquarters in Frenda? Perhaps arrange additional security?"

"Unnecessary. Our local team will suffice." Evelyn waved a dismissive hand. "This is a civilized society. They wouldn't dare attempt anything foolish in public."

"Understood, Ms. Carter."

After Maxwell departed, Evelyn moved to the floor-to-ceiling windows, surveying the glittering cityscape below.

Her manicured nails tapped an ominous rhythm against the glass as calculations played behind her piercing gaze.

The following evening at precisely 7 pm, a discreet security detail waited at Kingsley Industries' private entrance.

Evelyn had kept her plans to herself. Slipping into the waiting armored vehicle alone, she gave the driver a single nod.

The sleek black car, specially modified with bulletproof glass and reinforced panels, glided through the city streets toward Blackwood Manor.

"We've arrived, Ms. Carter."

Evelyn stepped out in a tailored black pantsuit that accentuated her lethal elegance. The crisp lines of her jacket emphasized her slender frame as she approached the manor's imposing doors.

A deep chuckle greeted her arrival.

"How bold of you to come alone, Ms. Carter. I do admire courage."

Her gaze lifted to find a heavyset man in his forties occupying the head chair. Time had softened Maximilian Blackwood's physique but not his calculating eyes.

"Maximilian, your reputation precedes you."

Evelyn strode forward with effortless confidence. Only then did she notice the silent observer seated beside Maximilian - a man whose intense stare had followed her since she entered.

She recognized him instantly.

Sebastian Blackwood. The man from the photographs with Isabella.

Sebastian's expression darkened as he studied Evelyn with newfound interest.

"Please, join us, Ms. Carter!" Maximilian gestured expansively before snapping at a servant. "Don't just stand there! Pour our guest some of the '89 Bordeaux."

Evelyn didn't flinch.

Her attention caught on the intricate chessboard between them. The game appeared evenly matched, neither side claiming clear advantage.

"Tell me, Ms. Carter," Maximilian leaned forward, eyes gleaming, "what do you make of our little game?"

Chess happened to be Maximilian's sole indulgence, yet worthy opponents had eluded him for years.

But Evelyn hadn't come to play games.

A faint smile touched her lips. "I've dabbled in chess, though I wouldn't presume to challenge an expert."

Sebastian's mouth quirked. "You underestimate yourself, Ms. Carter." Turning to Maximilian, he suggested, "Why not test her skills?"

Maximilian's interest visibly piqued. "An excellent notion! What say you, Ms. Carter?"

Evelyn arched one perfectly shaped brow. She hadn't forgotten her purpose. "Before we discuss games, Maximilian, perhaps you'd care to explain your organization's recent activities at Dunhill?"