Chapter 175

"Since we're already here, let's expose Millennial Gemstone for the frauds they are - a company that shamelessly breaches contracts and refuses to pay compensation."

Seeing Evelyn's determination to escalate the situation, Mr. Peterson paled. He scrambled to placate her. "Now, now, Miss Vanderbilt. We're all professionals here. Surely we can settle this amicably? Double compensation is quite—"

"I said double compensation," Evelyn cut in icily, adjusting her designer sunglasses. "Not a penny less."

Millennial Gemstone had dared renege on their agreement because they had the Laurent family's backing. Mr. Peterson had assumed Soul Jewelry, being a new market entrant, would be easy to intimidate.

He never expected this immaculately dressed woman to be his undoing.

Sweat beaded on his forehead as he blustered, "Taking us to court won't guarantee you victory. Cross our company, and you'll regret it."

"Is that so?" Evelyn's red lips curved into a dangerous smile. She twirled her sunglasses between manicured fingers. "We'll see who regrets this, Mr. Peterson."

With that, she strode out with Gregory in tow.

The moment the door closed, Mr. Peterson collapsed into his leather chair, mopping his brow. "Just some upstart jewelry studio," he muttered. "What can they possibly do?"

His answer came sooner than expected.

Within the hour, his secretary burst in, face ashen. "Sir! There's—"

She was shoved aside by black-suited security. Kyle entered with a sharply dressed lawyer in tow.

Mr. Peterson shot to his feet, knocking over his coffee.

The lawyer adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses and placed a business card on the mahogany desk. Donovan Golding, Esq. of Royal Legal Firm.

Mr. Peterson's hands trembled. Royal Legal Firm? The same firm that represented Edmund Lincoln?

Donovan slapped down a summons. "My client, Soul Jewelry Studio, has instructed me to handle this breach of contract. I suggest you reconsider your position carefully, Mr. Peterson."

The unspoken message was clear: fight this, and Millennial Gemstone would lose spectacularly in court.

No one won against Royal Legal Firm's attorneys.

Mr. Peterson slumped into his chair, sweat soaking his collar. How had a small jewelry studio secured Edmund Lincoln's lawyer?

He was utterly screwed.

Meanwhile, in a sleek black Bentley...

"I can't believe their audacity!" Gregory gripped the steering wheel, knuckles white. "Without Edmund Lincoln's intervention, they'd have walked all over us."

Evelyn examined her flawless manicure. "The Laurent family promised to cover their losses, didn't they? That's the only reason Millennial Gemstone dared breach contract."

No established company would risk their reputation otherwise. The Laurents had clearly bankrolled this move, betting Soul Jewelry wouldn't challenge them.

Her phone rang.

Evelyn smirked at the caller ID. "Mr. Peterson. What a surprise."

"Ms. Vanderbilt," came the strained voice. "Perhaps we can...renegotiate the compensation? No need for unpleasant courtroom drama."

Evelyn's laugh was sharp as cut glass. "Oh, but we're quite looking forward to our day in court. You made your choice when you breached contract. Now face the consequences."

She ended the call with a satisfied click. Let them squirm. Soul Jewelry wasn't some helpless startup they could bully.

Not when Evelyn Vanderbilt played to win.