Chapter 474

Maxwell Donovan turned on his heel and strode out without another word.

Katherine Whitaker stood rooted to the spot, her complexion draining of all color.

...

In the executive suite of Kingsley Industries, Evelyn Carter had just settled into her chair when Maxwell entered. She didn't bother glancing up as her pen continued dancing across the documents.

Maxwell approached her desk respectfully. "Ms. Carter, it's done."

Evelyn's wrist flicked gracefully as she signed the final page with a flourish. "Good. Now we wait to see how she reacts."

"Understood, Ms. Carter. There's something else..." Maxwell hesitated.

Evelyn finally looked up, her sharp gaze meeting his. "Yes?"

"Have you seen today's news coverage?" Maxwell asked instead of answering. "About the groundbreaking ceremony for that prime property Sterling Enterprises secured from the city?"

Evelyn's eyebrow arched. Juliette Blackwood worked fast. Securing that coveted southside parcel in just two weeks? And breaking ground already?

On the screen behind them, Nexa News was broadcasting live footage of the event. Juliette beamed for the cameras as golden shovels turned ceremonial dirt. A high-ranking city official stood beside her, lending gravitas to the occasion.

For a relatively new player like Sterling Enterprises, this project had become an unexpected crown jewel - the kind of government-backed development that guaranteed profits and prestige.

In the Kingsley Industries boardroom, directors exchanged frustrated glances as they watched the coverage.

"We warned Ms. Carter months ago to bid on that project," one muttered. "Instead she poured resources into those speculative tech ventures."

"And what do we have to show for it?" another snapped. "While our competitors celebrate, we're left empty-handed."

"Real estate remains the safest investment," a third director chimed in. "Government partnerships are foolproof. Yet we let this slip through our fingers."

Julian Hawthorne concealed his satisfaction behind a carefully neutral expression. His alliance with Juliette had paid off beautifully.

Now he'd watch how Evelyn planned to recover from this strategic blunder.

"Director Hawthorne," a board member leaned forward, "we should have listened to you. A woman's leadership has cost us dearly."

"Indeed," another agreed. "Perhaps it's time we reconsider the company's leadership structure."

Julian held up a placating hand. "Let's not be hasty. Remember Ms. Carter's... family connections."

The mention of the Kingsley name silenced the room momentarily before all eyes turned to Julian.

"What do you suggest?" someone finally asked.

Julian's smile was all calculated modesty. "Patience, gentlemen. Have you forgotten my wager with Ms. Carter? The deadline approaches, and our performance metrics remain... disappointing."

"Ah yes!" A director brightened. "That clever clause of yours. When she fails to meet targets, even the Kingsleys can't protect her position."