Chapter 570

The office atmosphere turned glacial in an instant.

Dominic Kingsley studied Evelyn Sinclair's expression, realizing with growing dread that she wasn't bluffing. His reckless move had backfired spectacularly.

This wasn't just about Preston Sinclair anymore. His actions had dragged Sterling Enterprises into the mess too.

Evelyn would never compromise her company's interests. If she discovered Nathan Blackwood's involvement, it wouldn't just strain their personal relationship - it could shatter their three-way business alliance.

As Dominic hesitated, Evelyn's sharp gaze narrowed in realization. "Who put you up to this?"

His lips pressed into a thin line, face paling. "No one—This was my own poor judgment. I'll recall all staff from leave immediately."

"Mr. Kingsley," Evelyn's voice cut like ice. "This matter won't be settled so simply."

She maintained unblinking eye contact. "My legal team will draft new contract terms with strict research deadlines. Sterling will conduct regular progress audits. Fail to comply, and we terminate our partnership. Kingsley Tech isn't Sterling's only option."

Dominic's expression darkened imperceptibly. Outwardly calm, internally he was scrambling.

Evelyn's ruthless pivot caught him completely off guard.

He'd underestimated her. At Kingsley Tech's current scale, they posed no real threat to Sterling Enterprises - especially with her brother Donovan Sterling, the renowned scientist, in her corner.

This time, the fault was entirely his. Evelyn wouldn't let this slide easily.

Compared to how she'd dismantled Ashford Group, merely revising their contract was downright merciful.

If she decided to retaliate fully, not even Nathan Blackwood could save him.

Dominic cleared his throat, adopting a conciliatory tone. "Let's discuss this over lunch, Ms. Sterling—"

Her cold laugh interrupted him. "This isn't negotiable. Our relationship hasn't reached the point where we joke about corporate interests." She leaned forward. "You'll bear full responsibility for these losses."

Pressure mounted as Evelyn's professional ruthlessness surpassed even Nathan's. Yet Dominic couldn't betray his ally.

"Ms. Sterling, I'll cover the losses, but—"

"No conditions." Evelyn stood abruptly. "Because I'm the client."

Her message delivered, she turned sharply and exited without waiting for a response.

Whether Dominic acted alone or on orders didn't matter. Evelyn needed him to understand—their relationship existed solely for mutual business gain.

The moment Evelyn left Kingsley Tech headquarters, she summoned Sterling's legal team, ordering immediate contract revisions to clarify Kingsley Tech's liabilities.

Dominic wasted no time calling Nathan Blackwood after her departure.

His attempt to teach Preston a lesson had backfired spectacularly, angering Evelyn instead.

When Nathan answered, Dominic recounted events while massaging his temples. "I tried, Mr. Blackwood. But Ms. Sterling isn't backing down. If she starts auditing our R&D—"

Silence stretched on Nathan's end.

Dominic checked if the call dropped.

Then Nathan spoke: "Let her."

Dominic blinked. "That's not the support I expected after calling you."

Nathan's final words chilled him: "Don't betray me."