Chapter 12
Evelyn's eyes fluttered open to the familiar scent of lavender and silk sheets. The opulent bedroom hadn't changed a single detail since she'd last slept here years ago.
A steaming bowl of her favorite chicken soup sat on the nightstand. Three designer dresses were carefully arranged at the foot of the bed - all in her exact size and preferred colors.
Her throat tightened with emotion.
No one in Sterling Enterprises had ever shown her this level of care.
The sound of polished shoes clicking against marble announced his arrival before he appeared in the doorway. Dressed in an impeccably tailored black suit, Dominic Kingsley carried himself with the effortless authority of a man who commanded empires.
Her eldest brother had personally retrieved her from Pamore's airport last night.
As current head of Kingsley Industries, Dominic rarely displayed emotion. Yet the subtle tension in his jaw betrayed his concern.
"Grandfather nearly collapsed when he heard about your accident. When your phone kept going to voicemail, his blood pressure spiked dangerously."
Evelyn's heart lurched. She threw off the covers. "Dominic! Is Leonard alright?"
"Stable. Doctors insist on complete bed rest." His gaze swept over her disheveled appearance. "You, however..."
Dominic caught her wrist as she tried to rush past. "Look at yourself. Is this how you want Grandfather to see you?" His voice dropped. "Have you forgotten your promise?"
The words hit like ice water.
Of course she remembered.
She'd sworn to Leonard that if Nathan Sterling didn't fall in love with her within their marriage term, she'd return home without protest.
She'd even agreed to consider an alliance marriage with the Prescott heir to strengthen Kingsley Industries' position among the Four Great Families.
Why bring this up now? Had Dominic already negotiated with Adrian Prescott?
Rumors painted the Prescott heir as a notorious playboy.
"But Dominic," she pleaded, "the ink isn't even dry on my divorce papers. I can't possibly—"
His stern expression softened. "We'd never force you into marriage, Evelyn." He sighed. "But it's time you assumed your responsibilities. While Grandfather recovers, you'll work directly under me."
Meaning she'd finally take her place at Kingsley Industries headquarters - the destiny her family had prepared her for when they sent her to Eklora's prestigious business school.
Not running a boutique in Pamore. Certainly not chasing after Nathan Sterling like a lovestruck fool.
"Alright." She'd agree to anything if it postponed talk of remarriage.
Dominic studied her for a long moment before nodding. His gaze held equal parts frustration and pity. Perhaps her failed marriage had taught her something after all.
"Sir?" A discreet knock preceded Maxwell Donovan's entrance. "Sterling Enterprises is demanding an explanation for their sudden exclusion from the Darai Medical Expo. They're insisting on an emergency meeting."
Evelyn froze. "Dominic, you didn't—"
Of course he had. Her brother had moved against the Sterlings the moment her plane touched down.
Nathan had pretended indifference about the expo, but only because he'd assumed Evelyn would fix everything for him.
How arrogant.
"I made sure they understand," Dominic said coldly, "that no one mistreats a Kingsley without consequences." He adjusted his cufflinks. "You know what's expected of you now."
With that, he strode out, Maxwell falling into step beside him.
"Schedule orientation for Evelyn tomorrow," Dominic ordered. "Full tour of production facilities. Then walk her through the Executive Vice President's responsibilities."
"Yes, sir."
Their voices faded down the corridor.
Executive Vice President. Second only to Dominic himself.
Evelyn clenched her fists. This time, she wouldn't fail her family.
"Surprise!"
On her second morning in the corner office atop Kingsley Tower, her door burst open without warning.