Chapter 422

Evelyn's lips curved into a knowing smile as she nodded. "You make a valid point, Director Hawthorne. There's no need for this to escalate into an ugly confrontation."

Then, with deliberate slowness, she reached into her designer handbag and retrieved a sleek black USB drive.

"Given the circumstances," she continued, her voice smooth as silk, "there are certain matters I've chosen to overlook—until now. But I believe it's only fair to give you advance notice. Don't you agree?"

Julian Hawthorne frowned, his sharp gaze locking onto the device in her hand. "What exactly are you implying, Ms. Carter?"

Evelyn's smile deepened as she extended the USB toward him.

Leaning in just enough for her whisper to carry, she murmured, "Director Hawthorne, while you and your wife may hold senior positions in this company, rules still apply. I'm sure you're aware of the... irregularities in the finance department under your wife's supervision."

His face drained of color. "Explain yourself."

"Everything you need is right here," she said, tapping the USB lightly. "Review it at your leisure."

Julian's fingers clenched around the drive. "What's on this?"

Evelyn remained composed, the ghost of a smirk playing on her lips. This evidence had been handed to her by Dominic weeks ago—a contingency, he'd called it.

And now, the timing was perfect.

"Director Hawthorne, secrets have a way of surfacing. I've turned a blind eye for the sake of Kingsley Industries. But with what I currently possess, your wife could face serious legal consequences."

The man's confident demeanor shattered instantly.

He hadn't anticipated this level of ruthlessness from the seemingly inexperienced woman before him. That she had uncovered his wife's dealings—and gathered concrete proof—was unthinkable.

"Where did you get this?" Julian demanded through gritted teeth, searching her face for any tells.

Evelyn knew when to press her advantage. She arched a brow. "The source isn't important. What matters is this—your wife resigns from Kingsley Industries by day's end. Otherwise, this evidence goes straight to the authorities."

"You—" His jaw worked, resentment burning in his eyes before he finally exhaled in defeat.

"Understood, Ms. Carter."

"Excellent."

After a beat, she added, "One more thing. I believe in fair competition. Our bet stands—but if there's any foul play, even a victory would be meaningless."

With that, she turned on her heel, leaving Julian standing rigid, the USB drive digging into his palm like a brand.

For the first time, he had been outmaneuvered by Evelyn Carter.

And the taste of defeat was bitter.

——

Meanwhile, Evelyn pushed open her office door, Maxwell close behind.

"That was masterful," he said, barely containing his glee. "You should've seen Hawthorne's face. Priceless."

But Evelyn's expression was pensive. "Now," she said, turning to face him, "care to explain what really happened with the Dunhill mine contracts?"