Chapter 36

The moment the police arrived, they swiftly identified their targets and moved in without hesitation.

"Vanessa Sterling, Isabella Delaney, you need to come with us," an officer announced firmly.

Eleanor Blackwell rushed forward in protest, desperate to stop them from taking her daughter and the pregnant mistress away.

But in her haste, she caught her heel on the hem of her designer gown. She stumbled violently, her head striking the marble floor with a sickening thud before she lost consciousness.

As officers escorted Vanessa and Isabella out, Nathan Sterling carried his unconscious mother away, bringing the disastrous evening to a humiliating close.

With the unwanted guests finally removed, Dominic Kingsley guided Evelyn Carter to the center of the grand ballroom.

"Ladies and gentlemen," he announced, his voice commanding attention. "Ms. Evelyn Carter is no longer the secretary to the president of Sterling Enterprises."

A hush fell over the crowd as he continued. "She is now the general manager of Kingsley Industries' Pamore branch. I look forward to seeing fruitful collaborations between all of you in the future."

Murmurs erupted instantly.

"Did you hear that? She climbed the corporate ladder that fast?"

"They share the same last name, but I doubt they're related. Why would a Kingsley woman endure such humiliation in Pamore otherwise?"

"Honestly, after what the Sterlings put her through, she had every right to walk away—cheating or not."

With Dominic's public endorsement and the Sterlings' spectacular self-destruction, the scandalous article lost all credibility.

Evelyn found herself surrounded by eager business connections, including one particularly intriguing figure—Victor Langley, the enigmatic CEO of Langley Group.

He approached with a glass of red wine, his sharp gaze assessing her. "Ms. Carter," he greeted smoothly. "Your reputation is… fascinating."

She met his piercing stare without flinching, raising her champagne flute in response. "Mr. Langley. A pleasure."

Kingsley Industries' medical expansion required strong alliances, and Langley Group topped her list.

"Congratulations on your newfound freedom," Victor murmured, his voice like velvet over steel. "And your impressive career leap."

His knowing smirk suggested he saw right through her ambitions.

Unfazed, Evelyn drained her glass. "Thank you. Expect a meeting request soon—I hope this introduction leaves a lasting impression."

Victor's lips curved as he mirrored her gesture, finishing his wine. "Oh, I'll remember."

Later that night, Evelyn returned to the Kingsley estate.

A sealed envelope from Natalie Reeves waited on her desk, marked URGENT—READ IMMEDIATELY.

Inside was a scathing exposé, meticulously detailing the Sterlings' crimes while shielding Evelyn's privacy. The writing was razor-sharp—each accusation deliberate.

First: Nathan Sterling, the serial cheater.

Second: Isabella Delaney, the homewrecking mistress.

Finally: Vanessa Sterling, the mob-connected socialite.

If Eleanor read this, she'd faint from rage—only to wake up and faint again.

Evelyn dialed Natalie at once.

"Hello?" came the editor-in-chief's crisp voice.

"Brilliant work," Evelyn said, impressed. "GEM Magazine's reputation is well-earned."

A pause. Then, softly: "Thank you."

Before she could reply, Olivia Sinclair's voice crackled through the speaker: "Stop gushing and get over here! Halo Bar, now."

Evelyn laughed. It was time to celebrate. "On my way."

"So I publish?" Natalie verified.

Olivia cut in: "Damn right! Let the internet roast those Sterlings alive!"

Evelyn grinned. "Couldn't have said it better myself."