Chapter 112

"Do you honestly believe I had any other option?" Evelyn asked, her voice laced with steel.

As the newest executive at Kingsley Industries, she knew the old guard would never respect her without concrete results to back her position.

"Director Hawthorne is only pushing so hard because he's determined to block my presidency. If I'd backed down now, they'd keep walking all over me."

"So I chose to establish dominance instead," Evelyn declared, her chin lifted in defiance.

"But this wager is dangerously ambitious. Director Hawthorne was so confident because he knows a thirty percent increase is nearly impossible," her assistant argued.

Evelyn gave a sharp nod. "What's said is said. Now we roll up our sleeves and make it happen."

Simon, ever loyal, stepped forward. "You can count on me, Ms. Carter. I'll give everything to support you."

"That's exactly what I needed to hear."

News of the boardroom showdown spread through Kingsley Industries like wildfire. By lunchtime, every department was buzzing about the bold new executive.

When Adrian Prescott heard the rumors, his eyebrows shot up. "Is this true? Did Evelyn really do that?"

"Absolutely," his informant confirmed. "Ms. Carter stood her ground so fiercely the entire board was speechless."

Adrian let out a low whistle. "That's my Evelyn! Absolutely brilliant!"

"But... thirty percent? That's an impossible target. She's taken an enormous risk."

Adrian smirked, swirling his whiskey. "You don't know her like I do. She always takes the path no one else dares."

Evelyn had done what he'd always fantasized about but lacked the courage to attempt. His admiration for her grew exponentially.

"Oh no," he murmured to himself, a slow smile spreading across his face. "I'm falling for her all over again."