Chapter 627

Midway through the conference, Evelyn's phone buzzed relentlessly.

Xavier Delmont's messages flooded her screen.

She ignored them.

The texts kept coming.

[Ms. Sinclair, you have to believe me—]

[This is all a setup by Mr. Blackwood and Seraphina! They framed me!]

[Ms. Sinclair, I respect and admire you deeply.]

[From the moment I first saw you, I knew you were special. I approached you with nothing but sincerity.]

[Please, save me. My career can't end like this. I still have so much left to do.]

Evelyn skimmed the messages and felt bile rise in her throat.

Disgust coiled in her stomach.

How could I have been so blind?

Without hesitation, she blocked Xavier.

Then, she fired off a quick text to Dominic Kingsley.

[Tell Xavier to disappear. The farther, the better.]

She was done.

What she'd thought was a golden opportunity had turned into a disaster.

A complete waste of time and resources.

Applause erupted in the room as the next speaker was introduced.

Preston Sinclair stood, casting a glance at Evelyn.

His voice was low, just for her.

"My turn. If I stumble, feel free to jump in."

Evelyn gave him a subtle thumbs-up.

Preston took the stage, his presence commanding instant silence.

Tall, broad-shouldered, every movement exuding effortless grace.

His sharp intelligence was veiled behind a calm, composed demeanor—deceptively gentle until you caught the steel beneath.

"Good afternoon, everyone. It's an honor to be here today."

Evelyn watched, lips curving.

His speech was different.

Practical. Insightful.

While others had focused on corporate branding, Preston zeroed in on the AI project itself.

Most importantly, he addressed the recent European scandal head-on.

No evasion. Just facts.

"Artificial intelligence isn't just innovation—it's an invitation to reshape the future."

"We're still in the early stages, but progress is inevitable."

"The autonomous vehicle sector is just the beginning. What comes next will redefine industries."

The room erupted in applause.

Preston's gaze flickered to one spot in the audience.

Evelyn met his eyes.

For a heartbeat, something electric passed between them.

She looked away first, pulse unsteady.

Must be the adrenaline from the speech.

Meanwhile, at Blackwood Industries...

Nathan Blackwood was in a board meeting when his phone lit up.

Message after message.

His jaw tightened.

The executive presenting faltered.

"Continue," Nathan ordered, voice icy.

He checked his phone.

His expression darkened instantly.