Chapter 56

"Raise your hand if you think adding new team members is too much hassle. Consider this your resignation notice effective immediately after this meeting."

The room erupted in chaos. They hadn't included Kingsley Industries' staff under Cassandra's instructions. Why should they face consequences now?

"The contract explicitly states Kingsley Industries retains full authority over all department heads involved." Evelyn Carter's voice cut through the noise like ice. "Isn't that correct?"

Cassandra Blake's forced smile grew increasingly strained. "Ms. Carter, have you considered how this will impact project continuity?"

"Deputy heads can step up. If Barnes Group can't even provide adequate backups for such a small team..." Evelyn's lips curled into a humorless smile. "Then perhaps contract termination becomes necessary."

Nathan Sterling's jaw tightened. "We can't do that."

Evelyn arched an eyebrow, her voice glacial. "Funny how you never objected to this tone before. Doesn't feel so good when the tables turn, does it?"

Nathan froze as memories flooded back. He searched desperately for any instance where he'd spoken patiently to Evelyn, but came up empty-handed. The realization left him speechless.

"While our companies are collaborating, let's minimize personal meetings unless absolutely necessary." Evelyn adjusted her blazer. "We wouldn't want another... elevator incident."

When the doors opened on the ground floor, Evelyn strode out with regal indifference, leaving Nathan trapped in the elevator with his thoughts.

That evening at Halo Bar, Evelyn, Olivia Sinclair, and Natalie Reeves collapsed onto plush velvet couches after dancing. Natalie handed Evelyn her phone with unusual seriousness. "Thoughts?"

Evelynn's confusion melted into amusement when she saw the screen. Olivia peeked over and immediately erupted. "Which gutter-dwelling paparazzi took these? Natalie, track them down and destroy them!"

The headline screamed: "Executive's Scandalous Affair With Subordinate." Below grainy photos showed Evelyn entering a hotel with Trevor Maddox after his altercation.

The comments section overflowed:

"No way! She traded Sterling Enterprises for this?"

"At least make the rumors believable - an affair with her boss would be more credible!"

"Divorce clearly broke her. Now she's power-hungry and desperate."

Natalie swirled her whiskey, ice cubes clinking. "My team's already tracing the source. We'll have answers by morning."

Evelyn set the phone down calmly. "How uninspired. These tabloids are recycling the same tired narratives."

Natalie shook her head in disbelief. "Only you would analyze gossip like market trends."

Olivia tugged Evelyn up. "Enough! Let's go sing."

As they approached the outdoor stage, they nearly collided with Gregory Hammond, who had two scantily clad models draped over him. Nathan stood nearby, looking irritated.

"Mission accomplished, bro." Gregory pulled the women closer with a drunken laugh.

Nathan's gaze sharpened. "Explain."

Gregory smirked. "Found security footage of Ice Queen Carter's hotel rendezvous. Posted it everywhere with juicy headlines." He raised his glass triumphantly. "That cheating bitch deserves the public shaming."