Chapter 332

"Ms. Carter, I specialize in international commerce and would be honored to establish a partnership with Kingsley Industries."

"Our firm handles global supply chain solutions. We'd appreciate your expert guidance moving forward."

Evelyn maintained her poised smile as the crowd showered her with admiration, her dignified demeanor earning numerous favorable impressions.

Several business leaders immediately proposed collaborations. Seizing the moment, Evelyn secured multiple lucrative contracts for Kingsley Industries.

Sylvia watched the scene unfold with growing horror.

Her carefully constructed world had shattered the instant Dominic revealed Evelyn's true identity.

She stood frozen, remembering all the times she'd mocked and belittled Evelyn during their school days. The bitter taste of regret filled her mouth.

She'd ruined everything.

"Sylvia! Why are you just standing there? I told you to network with Ms. Carter and secure contracts!" Conrad Montgomery hissed as he pulled his daughter aside.

Sylvia barely registered her father's words. Her nails dug crescent moons into her palms, but she felt no pain.

She couldn't possibly tell her father she'd already burned that bridge. Instead, she forced a smile.

"Of course, Father. I'll handle it." With false confidence, Sylvia approached Evelyn.

She inhaled deeply, steeling herself to swallow her pride. By the time she reached Evelyn, her smile looked painfully bright.

"Evelyn, let me propose a toast! To our unexpected reunion!"

Sylvia extended a champagne flute toward Evelyn with exaggerated cheer.

Evelyn glanced at the offered glass but made no move to accept it, letting the silence stretch uncomfortably.

Sylvia cleared her throat, masking her discomfort.

"Not drinking? No problem - I'll drink for both of us!" She downed the champagne in one gulp.

Evelyn's gaze remained icy. "A reunion? We weren't exactly friends, Sylvia."

The barb hit its mark. Sylvia rushed to apologize. "Evelyn, I was wrong before. I'm truly sorry."

Evelyn's laugh held no warmth. "If apologies fixed everything, we wouldn't need courts."

Sylvia's smile faltered. She'd humbled herself, yet Evelyn showed no mercy. Anger simmered beneath her carefully constructed calm.

"Evelyn, I've apologized. How much longer will you hold this grudge?"

The words tasted like ash in her mouth. Every second of this charade chipped away at her composure.

Evelyn's lips curved into a humorless smile.

"Amusing, Sylvia. Weren't you the one who orchestrated that little scene earlier with the waiter?"

Sylvia's face drained of color.

Evelyn continued, "And shall we revisit our history? I have quite the catalog of memories to choose from."

"Evelyn, I was foolish back then. Please, forgive me."

Another hollow laugh. "Forgiveness isn't automatic, Sylvia. Not after everything."

"Then what will it take?" Sylvia demanded, her mask of contrition slipping.

The air between them crackled with unspoken threats and long-buried grievances. Around them, the party continued unaware of the silent war raging between the two women.