Chapter 471

Evelyn's lips curled into a smirk. "Thirty million dors must be pocket change for someone like you."

Katherine felt an icy shiver crawl down her spine.

"Ms. Carter, I—"

Evelyn cut her off, her expression unyielding.

"Save it. You're one of my artists. Protecting you is my responsibility. Let's review the surveillance footage. If Sophia Whitmore is truly at fault, justice will be served."

"Ms. Carter, this isn't necessary—"

Evelyn's tone sharpened, her gaze piercing. "Why? Guilty conscience?"

"Of course not."

"Then we proceed."

Katherine's pulse raced as Evelyn's determination left no room for argument. Panic clawed at her throat.

What now?

"After you." Evelyn gestured toward the door.

With no other choice, Katherine followed, her steps heavy.

Fate had a cruel sense of humor—Julian stood in the control room when they entered.

"Julian? Shouldn't you be at the event?"

He didn't answer. His eyes locked onto Katherine instead.

She avoided his gaze, but desperation surged. She lunged forward, clutching his arm.

"Julian, thank God you're here! You saw everything. Tell Ms. Carter the truth!"

Julian pulled away, his face unreadable.

Katherine froze. "Julian...?"

Evelyn glanced at the monitors, understanding dawning. She crossed her arms.

"Care to explain, Ms. Whitaker?"

Katherine shook her head frantically. "Julian, it's not what you think—let me explain!"

Julian didn't spare her another glance. He met Evelyn's eyes. "I've seen the footage. Sophia handled the situation flawlessly."

A silent understanding passed between them.

"Go to the event," Evelyn said. "Don't keep them waiting. I'll handle the rest."

Julian nodded and walked away without hesitation.

"Julian—wait!"

Her pleas fell on deaf ears. He vanished down the hall, severing their connection with finality.

The moment he disappeared, Katherine's mask shattered.

"Evelyn Carter!" She spat the name like venom.

"Terminate my contract. Kingsley Industries' talent department is a joke. You can't even secure decent resources."

Her laugh was bitter. "I only joined for Julian. Clearly, that was a mistake. Consider this my resignation."

Evelyn studied her with cold amusement. The transformation was impressive—from victim to viper in seconds.

No wonder Sophia had seen through her.

"Our contract was for five years," Evelyn reminded her. "Breaking it now comes with a penalty. Are you prepared to pay?"