Chapter 543

Who knew Nathan Blackwood could be this ruthless when pushed?

His gentlemanly facade had limits.

Evelyn Sinclair scrolled through the web page with a cold laugh. Nathan had crossed the line—vicious and unrelenting.

The Moretti family's rise had been built on shaky foundations. Half luck, half opportunism.

Vincent Moretti had made his fortune through shady deals, yet dared to flaunt his affairs publicly.

Evelyn's retaliation was surgical. A few well-placed moves to destabilize his partnerships, and he'd never forget this lesson.

Her real target, though, remained Ashford Group.

Bennett entered her office multiple times in quick succession.

"President, Ashford Group is calling—"

"Not now. I'm busy."

Evelyn smirked, ordering her team to compile a list of Ashford's key manufacturers from recent years. She dissected each one methodically.

"President, Victoria Ashford is downstairs. She refuses to leave until she sees you."

Evelyn didn't even glance up. "Call security."

She hadn't been ruthless enough with Victoria before.

That mistake wouldn't be repeated.

With Nathan's backing, Evelyn's revenge struck like a storm—Ashford Group was drowning under the onslaught.

Business thrived on harmony, but everyone schemed in the shadows.

Ashford Group reached out to every mutual connection with Sterling Enterprises, desperate for mediation. Evelyn shut them all down.

Public opinion spiraled. No amount of denials or legal threats from Ashford Group or Vincent Moretti could salvage their reputation. The truth was too damning.

People believed what they saw—especially when it exposed the ugly underbelly.

In twenty-four hours, the landscape shifted catastrophically. Long-term partners severed contracts, willing to pay penalties rather than stay tied to Ashford.

A corporate giant, now teetering.

Panic set in.

Evelyn's victory was inevitable. Even if it meant mutual destruction, she wouldn't let Ashford Group recover.

Ten hours in, their losses neared a billion. Another nosedive, and they'd be bankrupt.

Ashford Group headquarters.

Reginald Ashford shattered his office in a rage.

Penelope Ashford rushed in, pulse spiking at the wreckage.

"Clean this up," she hissed at the secretary.

Reginald turned on her. "Well? Did you reach Nathan?"

Penelope nodded—then crushed his hope.

"His assistant said Victoria picked the wrong enemy. That she brought this on herself. Blackwood Industries is already reconsidering their partnership."

Reginald collapsed into his chair, face twisted. "She went to Sterling Enterprises—"

Bitterness flashed in Penelope's eyes. "Evelyn refused to see her. Security dragged her out. That useless brat caused this mess!"

"How many partners have dropped us?"

"Twelve. All defected to Sterling Enterprises. Once Blackwood's withdrawal goes public, more will follow. And the mine collapse—authorities seized it. Father, we need to act."

Reginald's vision blurred. Fear hollowed him out.

"That bitch!"

His fist slammed the desk. His expression turned murderous.