Chapter 652

The boardroom needed Evelyn Sinclair's presence most, yet her seat remained empty. Despite the heating system working overtime, an uncomfortable chill lingered in the air.

Dominic Kingsley offered a practiced smile. "Mr. Sinclair is currently overseas and unable to attend. We'll forward the meeting minutes to him."

Evelyn's lips pressed into a thin line but she stayed silent. She took her seat, scanning the documents before her with sharp focus. Across the table, Nathan Blackwood fought to keep his gaze away—yet failed spectacularly.

Evelyn was a force of nature, impossible to ignore. Every flicker of her expression, every measured word, drew Nathan in against his will. When she mentioned Preston Sinclair's name, his jaw tightened.

He's probably scrambling to save that failing venture abroad. Good. The way he hovers around Evelyn makes my skin crawl.

Dominic's presentation droned on, but Nathan's glacial demeanor amplified the tension in the room. The unspoken hostility between the two ex-spouses turned every meeting into a psychological battlefield.

Finally, the torturous session ended. Dominic cleared his throat. "This project will proceed as planned by year's end. Our psychological assessment device is in its final testing phase. I propose we capitalize on the New Year to launch."

Evelyn's response was razor-sharp. "Premature release risks catastrophic failure. Without thorough trials, we’ll be a laughingstock."

Nathan remained silent—tacit agreement.

Dominic’s brows knitted. "The technology is solid. Police polygraphs are primitive compared to what we’ve developed. This is revolutionary."

Evelyn’s tone turned glacial. "Why the rush? The New Year can wait."

Dominic rubbed his temples, exasperated. "Ms. Sinclair, must everything take a backseat to holidays? You—"

Nathan cut in, voice like steel. "Mind your tone, Kingsley. You’re addressing the CFO."

Dominic paled. Evelyn’s expression didn’t waver, but the warning in her eyes was unmistakable.

Regret flashed across Dominic’s face. He’d overstepped.

"Apologies," he muttered. "I’ve been consulting international colleagues. Globally, the New Year is just another day. Launching first gives us industry dominance. Liberty Tech is already pursuing similar research—"

Evelyn arched a brow. "Rushing guarantees mistakes. First mover advantage means nothing if we crash and burn."

Nathan exhaled sharply. "Thousands of tests first. No shortcuts."

Dominic’s shoulders slumped. Defeated, he offered weakly, "Would either of you like to trial the prototype?"