Chapter 45

Evelyn leaned back in her chair with a mocking smile. "Discharged after just one night? You must be made of steel, Mr. Maddox."

"You flatter me, Ms. Carter. I simply couldn't bear the thought of my absence impacting Kingsley Industries' operations."

Trevor's head remained bandaged, the hospital gown peeking beneath his formal jacket. He shifted uncomfortably under her gaze.

"There's also the matter of Langley Group I forgot to mention. That's why I rushed back."

Evelyn gestured toward the sofa with a flick of her wrist. Some men only learned through pain.

When she'd asked politely, he'd remained tight-lipped. Now, after a thorough beating, he couldn't wait to spill his secrets.

"Langley just announced completion of their nanotech initiative. It aligns perfectly with Kingsley's biomedical expansion plans."

Evelyn's fingers stilled against her temple. "Either provide useful information or get out."

Trevor visibly paled. He'd learned the hard way that her threats weren't empty.

Switching tactics, he blurted, "Langley Group is negotiating with Sterling Enterprises! They're finalizing contract details—"

"Sterling Enterprises?" Evelyn's eyebrows shot up.

When Trevor moved closer to elaborate, a single warning glance sent him scrambling back to his original position.

"My sources say they're holding a private meeting at the Meadowbrook Racecourse to sign the agreement."

Evelyn twirled her pen thoughtfully. "How reliable is this intel?"

"One hundred percent. I'd stake my reputation on it."

She gave a noncommittal hum, filing away this unexpected development.

If someone like Trevor could access such confidential information, his contact must be high-ranking indeed.

He'd already crossed her once. He should know the next transgression would cost more than a few broken ribs.

"Ms. Carter," Trevor ventured cautiously, "if you secure the Langley partnership, I have a small request..."

Evelyn cut him off with a knowing smirk. "You want in on the project."

"Brilliant deduction! Exactly what I—"

"Denied." She didn't even glance up from her notes. "Get out."

After the door clicked shut, Evelyn considered her next move. This meeting demanded her personal attention.

Since Kingsley Industries kept clashing with Sterling Enterprises in Pamore, she might as well confront them directly and settle this rivalry once and for all.

Scrolling through her phone, she noted all articles about the Sterling family had vanished after the three-day ultimatum.

Even some news aggregator accounts had been suspended. The official Sterling Enterprises statement denied all allegations.

Evelyn's laughter held no warmth as her expression turned glacial.

Damage control. If they cared so much about their reputation, perhaps they shouldn't have committed those atrocities in the first place.

The investment director entered, placing a stack of files before her. "Ms. Carter, the new hire dossiers you requested."

As Kingsley Industries' most critical department, Evelyn scrutinized each candidate personally.

After years of stagnant recruitment, HR had worked overtime to secure top talent for their Pamore expansion.

Evelyn skimmed the impressive resumes with approval—until one name made her freeze.

Adrian Prescott.

Her finger jabbed the photograph. "Terminate this one immediately."

The director hesitated. "But Ms. Carter, Mr. Prescott's investment record is impeccable. He made his first million at sixteen on Wall Street. He's exactly—"

"I said fire him." The ice in her voice left no room for argument. Their enmity ran deeper than professional rivalry.

As the director turned to leave, Evelyn's voice stopped him. "Wait."