Chapter 245
"Even if things don't work out with Nathan, I'll always consider you family," Rosalind said with a practiced smile.
A sharp knock interrupted their conversation.
Evelyn placed her chopsticks down, dabbing her lips with a napkin. "Enter."
The door swung open to reveal Adrian Prescott carrying several folders. His expression immediately shifted to professional neutrality upon seeing Rosalind. "Ms. Carter, the Dunhill project files you requested."
"Set them on the desk," Evelyn instructed with a slight nod.
Adrian complied efficiently before turning to leave.
Rosalind's eyes widened in recognition. "Adrian Prescott? What are you doing working here?"
The heir of Prescott Enterprises paused, his gaze cool as it swept over Rosalind. As Nathan Sterling's childhood friend, he knew all about her... including certain secrets she'd rather keep buried.
"I'm the VP of Mergers at Kingsley Industries," he stated matter-of-factly before exiting.
Rosalind's manicured nails dug into her palms. Why would the Prescott scion choose to work for Dominic Kingsley instead of his own billion-dollar empire?
Before she could probe further, Adrian had already disappeared. Something about his demeanor unsettled her - the warmth she remembered from their university days was conspicuously absent.
"Everything alright?" Evelyn's voice snapped her back to the present.
"Perfect!" Rosalind forced a laugh, gathering the empty containers. "Let me clean these for you."
"No need." Evelyn stood, taking the dishes herself. "Excuse me for a moment."
Alone in the executive office, Rosalind's gaze immediately locked onto the confidential folders Adrian had delivered. A predatory smile curved her lips as she pulled out her smartphone.
The camera shutter clicked silently three times.
When Evelyn returned, Rosalind was already standing by the door with her designer handbag. "I've taken enough of your time, darling. We'll catch up properly soon."
Evelyn summoned her assistant, but Rosalind waved her off. "Don't trouble yourself. I know my way around Kingsley Tower."
The elevator doors hadn't fully closed before Rosalind was dialing a familiar number, her voice trembling with excitement. "You'll never guess what I just acquired."
A deep chuckle echoed through the receiver. "Let me guess - corporate espionage? That is your specialty."
Rosalind's grip tightened around her phone. "Remember that Dunhill acquisition you were ready to abandon because of Adrian Prescott's interference?"
The line went momentarily silent. "That's impossible to-"
"Imagine having Kingsley's entire bid package," Rosalind purred, stepping into the afternoon sunlight. "How quickly do you think Sterling Enterprises could adjust their offer now?"