Chapter 375

The heavy oak doors swung open as Evelyn Carter strode into the conference room. The moment her designer heels clicked against the marble floor, all conversation ceased.

Every head turned toward her, tracking her movement until she took her place at the head of the long mahogany table.

Julian Hawthorne leaned toward her with a practiced smile. "Ms. Carter, your dedication these past months has been... remarkable."

Evelyn met his gaze with equal politeness. "Flattery won't change our quarterly reports, Director Hawthorne. We're all here for Kingsley Industries' success."

An awkward chuckle escaped Julian before he straightened his tie. "Shall we begin then?"

His words triggered a ripple of nods around the table, as if he held the gavel instead of Evelyn.

Though she noted the power play, her expression remained unreadable.

After a calculated pause, she continued, "Our first half performance shows promising growth across all divisions. Let's hear from each department head—"

A silver-haired director cut her off mid-sentence.

"Ms. Carter, these financials tell quite a story. Shouldn't we address the elephant in the room first?"

Another executive chimed in from the second row. "The numbers speak for themselves. Your leadership has certainly... made an impression."

Evelyn crossed her arms, one perfectly manicured brow arching.

"If the financials are what interests you gentlemen, by all means."

The first director smirked. "Your little wager with Director Hawthorne makes these figures particularly... entertaining. Do recall your exact words from last quarter?"

The room buzzed with barely concealed anticipation. Most were clearly waiting for blood in the water.

Julian's smug expression said everything. He rose with theatrical grace. "Now gentlemen, let's not rush to conclusions. The year isn't over yet, is it?"

Snickers erupted around the table, the scent of impending victory thick in the air.

"Well, Ms. Carter? Your thoughts?"

Evelyn's smile didn't reach her piercing green eyes. "Director Hawthorne is correct. The game isn't over." She tilted her head. "Unless you're that eager to redecorate the CEO office already, Julian?"

Julian's facade slipped for a fraction of a second before he recovered. "You misunderstand me completely. Just some friendly boardroom banter."

Maxwell Donovan snorted loudly. "Your ambition is about as subtle as a bull in a china shop, Hawthorne."

Julian spread his hands with mock innocence. "A simple business wager between colleagues, nothing more. We all witnessed the terms."

He turned to address the room. "In any competition, there must be a winner and a loser. Wouldn't you all agree?"

Murmurs of assent circled the table. Maxwell wasn't having it. "So you're declaring victory already? Interesting timing, considering we still have two quarters left."

His challenge echoed through the suddenly silent room. The executives exchanged uneasy glances, no one daring to speak first.