Chapter 421

"I'll play along for now."

Evelyn had already formulated a strategy in her mind. Whatever Juliette was planning, she would proceed with caution.

At precisely 9:00 am, Evelyn strode into Kingsley Industries in her designer heels. The tailored suit accentuated her commanding presence.

Maxwell Donovan, who'd been anxiously awaiting her arrival, rushed forward. "Ms. Carter, welcome back."

Evelyn gave a curt nod before stepping into the elevator. Maxwell followed closely, reciting her schedule in rapid-fire succession.

"Video conference at 10:00 am. Meeting with Mr. Langley from Summit Corporation at 11:00 in the executive boardroom."

As the elevator ascended, Evelyn absorbed the information with practiced ease. "Understood."

The doors slid open to reveal Julian Hawthorne's smirking face.

"Ms. Carter! What a pleasant surprise. We were beginning to think you'd abandoned us." His tone dripped with false concern. "A whole week without your presence - most unusual."

Evelyn halted mid-step. "Personal matters required my attention, Director Hawthorne. Your concern is... touching."

Julian nodded sympathetically. "Everything resolved, I hope? The company isn't the same without your... unique leadership style."

His performance as the caring elder would've been convincing to anyone who didn't know better.

"Oh, and Ms. Carter - has Mr. Donovan briefed you about the Lockhart project complications?"

Julian's expression turned mournful. "A minor collapse in one of the shafts. No lives lost, but the financial impact..." He shook his head. "The quarterly projections will take a significant hit."

Evelyn's sharp gaze swung to Maxwell. "Is this accurate?"

Maxwell hesitated, glancing at Julian. "I'll provide a full report shortly, Ms. Carter."

Julian chuckled. "Mr. Donovan has been rather preoccupied lately. An understandable oversight." His smile turned predatory. "Though better late than never, as they say."

He leaned closer, lowering his voice. "Six months into our little wager, and the numbers remain... disappointing. Now this Lockhart debacle. Quite the predicament, wouldn't you agree?"

The smugness radiating from him was nearly palpable.

"You're still wet behind the ears, Ms. Carter. The corporate world eats idealists like you for breakfast."

His chuckle turned condescending. "Why not bow out gracefully? Return to being the pampered heiress before you embarrass yourself further."

Evelyn remained impassive. "The game isn't over yet, Director Hawthorne. Your impatience is showing."

Julian feigned offense. "Merely looking out for you, my dear. When you inevitably fail, the humiliation will be... unpleasant for all involved."

He spread his hands in a mock gesture of concern. "Let's not make this any more painful than necessary, hmm?"