Chapter 703

Evelyn Sinclair arched an eyebrow at Bennett. The photograph Alexandra Montgomery produced couldn't possibly compare to her words.

How utterly absurd!

"Ms. Montgomery is still an intern. Whether she stays or goes is her own concern. But if Mr. Reeves wishes to resign from his position, we certainly won't object."

Jonathan Reeves turned deathly pale.

Evelyn's statement made it crystal clear - she wouldn't be Alexandra's protector.

He'd backed the wrong horse. Time to focus on damage control.

Evelyn moved to the sofa, accepting the documents Bennett handed her.

"Let's be honest, Sterling Enterprises has thrived this year. Project after project keeps coming in." Her gaze sharpened. "Yet none seem connected to your department."

The AI initiative was Evelyn's brainchild. The major contracts resulted from Alexander Sterling's negotiations. The remaining collaborations involved Sterling's subsidiary brands.

So what purpose did the project department actually serve?

Jonathan shot a panicked look at Alexander, who remained stone-faced. Why would Alexander defend him?

"President Sinclair, I—"

Evelyn raised a hand, silencing him. A cold smile played on her lips. "Under normal circumstances, we'd be having this discussion in the executive suite. The only reason we're here today is to witness firsthand how our company cultivates... mediocrity."

Each word carried venom. Her calm delivery made the rebuke more terrifying than any shouted reprimand.

Jonathan shivered. Being fired at nearly forty would be catastrophic. "President Sinclair, I'll—I'll ensure everyone returns to proper work immediately!"

Evelyn's smile didn't reach her eyes. "Don't be hasty, Mr. Reeves. Everyone at Sterling Enterprises was hired for their talent. Your team consists of the best among them." Her voice turned icy. "Yet you've reduced these elites to this pitiful state. How exactly do you plan to compensate for my company's losses?"

Jonathan's legs buckled. As a senior executive earning millions annually, his family depended entirely on him. Unemployment meant ruin.

Fear gripped him. Though Evelyn had only recently taken charge, her ruthless efficiency was legendary. She'd even taken on the board members before. Was he next?

"P-President Sinclair—" His voice shook.

Evelyn looked away, her tone shifting to something almost pleasant. "However, I'm aware you survived the last major restructuring. My father left you to my brother not because you remained neutral, but because your competence is undeniable." Her gaze hardened. "Comfort breeds complacency. But I won't tolerate incompetence. You have two choices—resign gracefully and we part amicably, or prove you can still lead this department to excellence."

Silence filled the room.

Jonathan stared in disbelief. She was offering him a chance to stay?

He straightened, sudden determination replacing his fear. "I'll excel at every project. Whatever it takes!"

Evelyn glanced at Alexander before addressing Jonathan again. "Review these materials first. We'll discuss next steps afterward." With that, she departed as decisively as she'd arrived.

Alexander stood, clapping Jonathan's shoulder. "Thank President Sinclair. She's the only reason you're still here." The unspoken message was clear—without Evelyn's intervention, he'd already be gone.