Chapter 348

The crimson sports car had been swiftly immobilized by the security team.

As the tinted window rolled down, a broad-shouldered guard approached. "Ms. Carter, we've apprehended the suspect. Your instructions?"

Evelyn stepped out onto the asphalt, her designer heels clicking sharply. Her emerald eyes immediately locked onto Sylvia's trembling form in the driver's seat.

"E-Evelyn." Sylvia's voice cracked as she avoided eye contact.

A stinging slap echoed through the parking garage. Evelyn's palm left an angry red mark on Sylvia's cheek. "Pathetic. This is your grand plan?"

Sylvia recoiled but remained silent. Her impulsive attempt to ram Evelyn's car had failed spectacularly. The Kingsley security detail had intercepted her within minutes.

"I only regret not hitting the accelerator harder."

Evelyn's laugh was ice cold. "You couldn't touch me if you tried. Attempted vehicular manslaughter? Enjoy prison, Sylvia."

She turned sharply, tossing over her shoulder, "Three days until Montgomery Electronics collapses. Five until Kingsley Industries owns it."

"Wait!" Sylvia clawed at the car door. "Punish me, not my father's company!"

Evelyn didn't glance back as she slid into her waiting limousine.

The downfall came swiftly. First, explosive reports of defective Montgomery smartphones causing burns. Then the stock market crash when their main investor pulled out. By day three, bankruptcy filings were public record.

At Kingsley Manor, sunlight dappled through the oak trees as Evelyn lounged on the veranda. The financial reports in her lap fluttered in the breeze.

Maxwell approached with military precision. "Ms. Carter, Montgomery Electronics has completed liquidation."

Evelyn didn't look up from her documents. "The acquisition package?"

"Prepared and ready."

"Excellent. Kingsley needs an electronics division." She snapped the folder shut. "Make it happen."

As Maxwell departed, Evelyn checked her diamond-encrusted watch. The Winslow gala began in two hours - just enough time to transform.

"Marjorie," she handed off her reading materials, "return these to the library."

"Of course, Ms. Carter."

—

At precisely 7:15 PM, the Winslow estate glittered like a jewel box.

Noelle came sprinting down the marble staircase as Evelyn's car arrived. "You're here!" The younger girl's face lit up like Christmas morning.

Evelyn presented an elegantly wrapped box. "For your recovery, darling."

Noelle hugged the gift like a teddy bear. "You're the best! Come meet Daddy's new chef!"

They linked arms like sisters - one dark, one fair - when an unwelcome voice interrupted.

"Princess!"

Noelle's smile vanished. "Adrian Prescott. Why must you ruin everything?"

He flourished a gold-embossed invitation. "By special request of Mr. Winslow himself."

"Ugh. Pest."

Adrian smirked. "Says the girl who still sleeps with stuffed animals."

Noelle's cheeks flamed. "I'm nineteen, you cretin! A full adult!"