Chapter 290

The moment Maxwell Donovan's team exited the boardroom, Donovan Prescott's carefully maintained composure shattered like glass. "What in God's name just happened?" His voice boomed across the silent office, making several employees flinch. "Which incompetent fool offended Ms. Carter? Speak now!"

The entire floor froze under his wrath. Vivienne Chambers had never witnessed her boss in such a state - veins bulging at his temples, his usually impeccable tie now askew. She clutched her tablet like a shield.

"Mr. Prescott," his assistant rushed forward, tablet in hand. "Security footage shows someone intercepted Ms. Carter outside Conference Room B."

Donovan's face turned an alarming shade of crimson. "Who dares block the path of Pamore's CFO?"

The assistant's finger trembled as it pointed toward Giselle Thornton.

All eyes swiveled to the ashen-faced assistant. Someone in the crowd gave her a shove, sending her sprawling across the marble floor.

Ignoring the pain shooting through her knees, Giselle scrambled forward. "Mr. Prescott, it was a terrible misunderstanding! I thought she was—"

A polished Oxford connected sharply with her shoulder. "You thought?" Donovan's voice dripped venom. "What exactly did you think? That the CFO of Pamore Group would come dressed as a damn intern? Get your worthless ass to the HR department!"

"Please, Mr. Prescott!" Tears streaked Giselle's carefully applied makeup. "I'll make this right. I'll find Ms. Carter and—"

"Save your breath," Donovan snarled, already dialing his phone. "You've got until sunset to fix this, or start cleaning out your desk."

The moment Giselle fled, Donovan's glare swept across his cowering staff. "Why are you all still here? Get back to work before I fire the whole damn department!"

Chairs screeched as employees dove for their workstations like rats abandoning ship.

Meanwhile, Evelyn Carter had just entered her penthouse suite when her phone lit up with Donovan's caller ID.

"Ms. Carter," his oily voice oozed through the speaker, "today's incident was an unfortunate oversight by an inexperienced employee. Surely we can—"

"An oversight?" Evelyn's laugh held no warmth. "Your employee physically barred me from my own meeting, Mr. Prescott. Is this how Sterling Enterprises treats potential partners?"

"I've already disciplined that idiot assistant. Name your terms—her immediate termination if you wish. Our collaboration is too valuable to—"

"Our collaboration," Evelyn cut in icily, "ended the moment your security demanded my ID like some corporate bouncer. Goodbye, Mr. Prescott."

The call disconnected with finality.

Harrison Whitmore appeared at her elbow, offering a crystal glass of freshly pressed pomegranate juice. "Background checks are complete. There's another firm in Dunhill with comparable assets to Sterling Enterprises."

His lips curved. "Interestingly, they've been Sterling's primary competitor for the past decade. Imagine Donovan's face when he learns we've chosen them."

Evelyn accepted the glass, the ice cubes clinking softly. "Then it's settled. Have contracts drawn up by morning." She took a slow sip, watching the city lights twinkle through the floor-to-ceiling windows. "Let's see how Donovan enjoys being the one left waiting outside the boardroom."