Chapter 127

"Why does Evelyn seem to thrive no matter what?" Julian's voice dripped with bitterness.

Never in his darkest nightmares had he envisioned Kingsley Industries, one of Pamore's top real estate giants, vanishing overnight. And all of it—every crumbling brick—was tied to Evelyn.

"Mr. Hawthorne, I must say Ms. Carter is audacious. That wager between you two—"

Julian cut him off sharply. "Enough! She's just a woman deluding herself into thinking she can survive in this cutthroat world. Let her dream!"

"Even if she's absorbed Kingsley Industries, it's still a speck compared to Sterling Enterprises. And utterly insignificant next to 30%!"

Yet, despite his words, Julian's eyes darkened.

No matter what, he couldn't lose this bet.

Evelyn had better watch her back.

Within a week, Kingsley Industries filed for bankruptcy.

But then, a shadowy figure quietly acquired its remnants, pouring vast resources into its revival. In just two weeks, a new entity—Horizon Technologies—exploded onto Pamore's corporate scene.

Soon, it cemented its dominance.

Rumors about Horizon Technologies spread like wildfire through Pamore’s elite circles.

"Horizon is shrouded in mystery! Their CEO hasn’t revealed a single detail!"

"I heard they have formidable backing. Only someone with immense power could rise this fast and swallow a third of Pamore’s market!"

"The Delaneys' downfall should’ve reshuffled the upper echelons. But Horizon’s emergence changed everything!"

Evelyn and Maxwell strode through the lobby, catching snippets of hushed conversations.

An hour later, stock prices hit rock bottom.

The Delaneys had become public enemy number one.

"Serves them right!" Olivia couldn’t resist commenting as she scrolled through the online vitriol.

"Isabella’s lost her pregnancy immunity. Bail’s off the table now."

"With the evidence we handed over, she’s looking at twenty years, easy."

Evelyn nodded. "Sounds fair."

"Strange, though—Nathan hasn’t uttered a word. Wasn’t that baby supposed to be his?"

Evelyn shrugged, indifferent.

"Whether he speaks or not, it changes nothing. Our paths won’t cross again."

"Exactly, darling! Plenty of fish in the sea. Harrison Whitmore seems lovely. Why not—"

At the mention of Harrison, Evelyn shook her head.

"He’s untethered. I’ve already been married. I won’t tarnish his reputation."

"Besides, why do I need a man? Building my empire sounds far more rewarding."

Olivia squeezed her, planting exaggerated kisses on her cheek. "God, I love this new you! Sharp as a blade!"

"Forget men. Let’s conquer the world instead!"

Soon after, Isabella was hauled away by police, the evidence against her airtight.

Meanwhile, the Delaneys faced relentless backlash. Clients abandoned them en masse.

Sterling Enterprises seized the opportunity, poaching several major accounts. In days, they secured massive deals.

As the elevator doors closed, Evelyn broke the silence. "The rumors about Horizon are everywhere."

Maxwell nodded. "Their mystique is fueling the frenzy. All of Pamore’s buzzing about their elusive CEO."

"Any leads?"

"None. Our investigations hit walls. Whoever’s behind Horizon is terrifyingly well-connected."

Evelyn exhaled, frustrated.

"Then they’re a formidable threat."

"Undoubtedly. Their sudden rise isn’t coincidence. When they make their move, it’ll be a storm."

Evelyn’s jaw tightened.

"Friend or foe, we tread carefully. Until we know their game, avoid direct clashes."

"Understood."

The doors opened.

Evelyn stepped out, heels clicking decisively. At her office, her secretary handed over the day’s agenda.

"Your schedule, Ms. Carter."

She skimmed it. "Good."

"Oh—one more thing. Horizon Technologies sent an invitation this morning."

Evelyn froze. "What kind of invitation?"

The secretary hurriedly presented it.