Chapter 451

"Perfect, now that we've agreed on terms, I'll have legal draft the paperwork. Assuming no issues arise, we can sign by week's end."

Sophia Whitmore gave a graceful nod. "Excellent. VERE is launching our new Celestial collection, and all pieces will be exclusively worn by Kingsley Industries' talent."

Evelyn Carter tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Let's feature Julian and Katherine. They're currently our most visible stars."

Sophia's gaze drifted toward the floor-to-ceiling windows as she murmured her assent.

"The entire quarter's red carpet jewelry will come from our atelier."

"I'll have their stylists coordinate directly with your team."

"Agreed."

As their meeting concluded, Evelyn personally escorted the jewelry designer downstairs. The elevator doors parted to reveal Katherine Whitaker lounging in the marble lobby.

Katherine's eyes snapped to Sophia with feline interest before addressing Evelyn. "Ms. Carter! What a pleasant surprise."

Seeing the unspoken question in the actress's eyes, Evelyn made introductions. "Katherine, meet Ms. Whitmore of VERE Jewelry - your new exclusive sponsor."

Recognition flashed across Katherine's features. VERE's avant-garde designs dominated international fashion magazines, their pieces coveted by every starlet in Hollywood.

Suddenly all business, Katherine extended a manicured hand. "Ms. Whitmore! Katherine Whitaker, signed to Kingsley's entertainment division. I'm thrilled by this collaboration."

Sophia offered a polite but distant smile. Without further engagement, she turned back to Evelyn. "Evie, I should head back to the studio. My team will handle the logistics."

"Of course."

As Sophia's heels clicked across the polished floors, Katherine couldn't suppress her curiosity. "Ms. Carter, you and Ms. Whitmore seem... unusually close."

Evelyn's lips curved at the memory. "We grew up together. Shared a sandbox before we shared business ventures."

Katherine's perfectly sculpted eyebrows lifted. This changed everything. No wonder Harrison Whitmore treated Sophia differently - it wasn't romantic history, but childhood ties to Evelyn.

"How lovely to maintain such friendships in our world," Katherine remarked smoothly.

Evelyn hummed in agreement when her phone vibrated with an incoming call. Her entire demeanor shifted as she saw the caller ID, her smile turning private and warm.

"Harrison?"

Katherine observed the transformation with clinical interest. Whoever was on the line held remarkable sway over the typically unflappable CEO.

Harrison Whitmore stood across the plaza, his gaze locked on Evelyn's silhouette through the glass walls.

"Harrison?" Evelyn's voice held a note of concern at his silence.

His low chuckle carried through the phone. "Turn around, darling."

Evelyn spun and immediately spotted his familiar frame. Without hesitation, she broke into a run, her designer heels be damned.