Chapter 538
Evelyn Sinclair was meticulously investigating the accident's cause. She'd also been tracking Sterling Enterprises' internal deadlines, but since it involved corporate secrets, she hadn't authorized any deep investigations.
Nathan Blackwood responded with a noncommittal hum, his expression unreadable.
Harrison considered for a moment before adding, "Ms. Sinclair has dinner plans with several partners at Celestial Club tonight."
Celestial Club was Blackwood Industries' exclusive nightspot, accessible only to carefully vetted members. This exclusivity ensured Harrison always received reliable intel.
That evening, Evelyn arrived at Celestial Club as scheduled.
The venue catered to elite business circles with its unparalleled privacy. Starting prices of seven figures per night made it inaccessible to most.
Her distinguished guests were industry leaders. Since they intended to indulge freely, they'd chosen this discreet location to avoid prying eyes.
Representing her absent brother, Evelyn paid little attention to the venue itself. Most attendees had already gathered when she entered the reserved private room.
A practiced, approachable smile graced her lips as she crossed the threshold.
The group greeted her warmly. Evelyn wasted no time taking the head seat and diving straight into business matters.
"Your dedication this past year is appreciated. May our future collaborations continue with mutual trust and unity!"
She downed her wine in one go, then signaled the staff to refill her glass with juice. Observing this, no one dared pressure her to drink more. The table erupted in polite toasts and conversation, all carefully calibrated not to offend.
Had this been any other woman, she might have been treated as mere decoration - subject to wandering hands and crude jokes. But this was the Sterling heiress, CEO of Sterling Enterprises. Not a soul dared show her disrespect.
Through the prolonged small talk, Evelyn remained composed, interjecting occasionally. Her demeanor struck the perfect balance between approachable and authoritative as she discussed partnership specifics with neighboring guests.
Her phone's vibration provided a welcome interruption.
Stepping outside for both the call and fresh air, Evelyn passed a slightly ajar door on her return. Light spilled into the hallway as a distressingly familiar voice reached her ears.
"Please, Mr. Moretti, I can't drink anymore... I beg you..."
The tearful plea belonged unmistakably to Victoria Ashford.
Mr. Moretti? Had Victoria sunk so low?
Evelyn considered walking away when a loud crash followed by drunken male laughter froze her in place.
"You begged for this meeting, Ms. Ashford! Now you're ruining my fun? Drink this or kiss your Sterling contract goodbye. You know the stakes."
Recognition dawned - Moretti was the partner she'd poached from Ashford Group. Hesitation gripped her until someone suddenly lunged toward the doorway.
Victoria's wine-flushed face appeared, tear-streaked and desperate. Spotting Evelyn, her bloodshot eyes widened before she seized Evelyn's arm, dragging her inside.
"Ms. Sterling! Please help me - I can't take another drop..."
Her anguished plea made it seem Evelyn, not Moretti, was her tormentor.
Evelyn's expression frosted over as she withdrew her arm. Her icy gaze shifted to the room's occupant. Moretti, thoroughly inebriated, failed to recognize her.
"Who's this beauty? Not bad, not bad at all." His drunken leer traveled Evelyn's frame. "You look familiar... some actress?"