Chapter 701

The moment the cameras began rolling, the room fell into absolute silence.

The boardroom's atmosphere was already tense. With Nathan Blackwood's intimidating presence, even the seasoned interviewer seemed to falter under pressure.

Theodore Winslow had been about to exit when he noticed Nathan raising his hands, placing them deliberately on the polished mahogany table.

Nathan sat perfectly still, his expression unreadable yet radiating exhaustion. A chilling aura surrounded him like an invisible forcefield.

But what caught everyone's attention were the rings—specifically the Solitaire band gleaming on his left ring finger.

The Solitaire!

Theodore froze mid-step. When Nathan's icy gaze locked onto him, he barely suppressed a shudder before hastily retreating. Only outside did he dare exhale. That ring finger placement meant one thing: marriage.

The Solitaire was Sterling Enterprises' signature piece for singles. Yet Nathan wore it as a wedding band?

This man was utterly obsessed with Evelyn Sinclair.

Not that it mattered now. Once this interview aired, the world would see that ring. No advertising budget could buy this level of publicity.

At Sterling Enterprises headquarters, Evelyn was drowning in paperwork upon returning from Montevista.

She marveled at how her brother Alexander Sterling worked like a machine without rest. The moment one meeting ended, she'd barely closed her eyes when Bennett marched in with another stack of files. Rest was clearly a luxury.

"President Sinclair, HR submitted the new hire profiles. Three overseas graduates—here are their dossiers." Evelyn arched a brow. She always enjoyed reviewing fresh talent, watching blank resumes transform into powerhouses. Like Benjamin Carter, now capable of leading entire divisions.

When the Kingsley Tech deal finalized, the finance director position would undoubtedly be his.

Evelyn flipped a page absently. "Recruitment season hasn't started, has it?"

"Correct. These are emergency hires after recent resignations. We needed reinforcements for upcoming projects."

Her fingers stilled on the final resume.

Alexandra Montgomery.

On paper, her credentials seemed decent. But compared to the other candidates? Pathetically inadequate.

"Since when did our standards plummet?"

Evelyn could've pulled random interns with stronger qualifications. Bennett hesitated. "Ms. Montgomery—"

"Spit it out."

"She... produced a family photo with you during interviews. Called you 'cousin.' Phoned Chairman Sterling live, addressing him as 'uncle'—"

Evelyn massaged her temples. A migraine threatened.

Alexandra had zero self-awareness.

Bennett studied her expression cautiously. "HR is uncertain how to proceed with Ms. Montgomery..."

Sterling Enterprises had no room for dead weight. Every employee earned their place through merit.

Alexandra? She was defective goods.

Evelyn's voice turned glacial. "Standard probation. One year. Terminate immediately if incompetent. Assign her to project teams."

Bennett blinked. Project teams were the corporate trenches.

"With her skills, a smaller firm might—"

"This isn't a retirement home." Evelyn's smile didn't reach her eyes. "Allowing her through those doors was mercy enough. If she complains? Show her the exit."

Bennett nodded sharply. 'Exit' meant immediate termination.

"Understood. Arrangements will be made."