Chapter 247

Evelyn's lips curved into a confident smile as she extended her hand. "Mr. Montgomery, what a pleasant surprise."

"Ms. Carter, your reputation precedes you." Lionel Montgomery's gaze held reluctant admiration. "Kingsley Industries has flourished remarkably under your leadership."

"You're too kind." Her fingers barely brushed his before withdrawing.

"I see we're both here for the Dunhill Project." His smile turned sharp. "It appears we'll be direct competitors today."

Evelyn tilted her head slightly. "Healthy competition brings out the best in us, don't you think?"

Adrian Prescott's chuckle carried an edge as he joined them. "Then let the best company win, Mr. Montgomery."

The air between them crackled with tension. Evelyn noticed the barely concealed hostility in Adrian's stance toward Lionel.

"Indeed." Lionel's gaze lingered on Evelyn a moment too long before he strode away, his tailored suit jacket swaying with each confident step.

"Our biggest obstacle today," Evelyn observed quietly.

Adrian's eyes gleamed with appreciation. "Your perception never fails to impress me, Evelyn."

"Flattery won't win us the bid, Adrian."

"I speak only truth." His gaze followed Lionel's retreating figure. "That man's arrogance will be his downfall."

Evelyn's lips quirked. "The higher they climb..."

"The harder they fall," Adrian finished, matching her smirk.

They moved toward the bidding hall, guided by attendants to their assigned seats. Neither noticed Rosalind Blackwell observing them from a shadowed corner, her manicured fingers tightening around her champagne flute.

Lionel approached Rosalind, his hand landing familiarly on her shoulder. "Everything proceeding as planned?"

Rosalind's crimson lips curved. "The bid documents were submitted an hour ago."

"Excellent." Lionel took the seat beside her, leaning close. "I've secured all necessary materials - transferred 100 million to suppliers last night for immediate production upon our victory."

"So efficient." Rosalind's eyebrows arched in genuine surprise.

"Opportunity favors the prepared." His smile didn't reach his eyes. "Today's outcome will justify every expense."

Rosalind's confidence mirrored his own. "This project already bears our name. Let them posture all they want."

Their shared laughter held the easy complicity of co-conspirators.

"I'll freshen up before the announcement." Rosalind rose gracefully, her designer heels clicking across the marble floor.

But as she exited the restroom, Evelyn blocked her path.

"Rosalind Blackwell." Evelyn's greeting carried the weight of three years' unspoken tension. "I hadn't expected to see you here."

During her marriage to Nathan, Evelyn had maintained careful distance from the Blackwell family. Their interactions had been limited to obligatory family functions where Rosalind had been... tolerable.

That tolerance had evaporated the moment the divorce papers were signed.

Evelyn's gaze sharpened. "Tell me, are you here as a spectator... or as Lionel Montgomery's puppet?"