Chapter 713

Three seconds of silence hung in the air.

Evelyn Sinclair finally composed herself. "I understand. I'll be ready. Thank you." Her gratitude was genuine before she ended the call.

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The arrow had to fly once the bowstring was drawn. From the moment Evelyn committed to this acquisition, she knew facing challenges head-on was inevitable.

Nathan Blackwood cursed under his breath, his anxiety mounting. He turned to Harrison. "We're going to Sandford."

Harrison immediately grasped the implication. "But we agreed with Mr. Whitmore that personal contact with the project team wasn't necessary?"

This was the privilege of someone like Nathan Blackwood - money solved problems without risking personal involvement.

Nathan's eyes darkened. "Evelyn went. Deploy extra security there immediately."

Harrison's expression turned grave. "Understood."

Upon arriving in Sandford, Evelyn marched straight into Zenith Corp's headquarters.

No one anticipated her bold move.

Jonathan Reeves had been waiting anxiously. Seeing Evelyn restored his courage. "Ms. Sinclair, this company claims cooperation but obstructs at every turn. We can only review partial ledgers with multiple management approvals. The process is excruciatingly slow—"

Evelyn moved with icy determination. "We're taking the books now."

Bennett followed closely, signaling their team as Evelyn strode forward unfazed.

It was Evelyn's first visit to Zenith Corp's offices. Employees scrambled to hide their cards - a familiar scene.

Her meaningful glance at the pale-faced Jonathan spoke volumes. The project team nearly lost their jobs over this.

Jonathan knew he had to prove his worth to Evelyn and the team.

Evelyn stormed into the finance department, throwing the door open.

Inside, Victor Langley lounged at his desk, joking lazily with colleagues. His expression soured instantly. "Evelyn Sinclair?"

Evelyn smiled coolly. "Surprised you recognize me."

Victor's eyes narrowed as he appraised her figure. "Hard to miss the most talked-about woman in business. You're practically my fantasy. What do you want?"

"You oversee Zenith Corp's finances? Victor Langley?" Evelyn confirmed.

"Your lapdog already told you?" Victor sneered. "If you want Zenith, name your price. Stop wasting time with audits."

Evelyn's smile didn't reach her eyes. "Due diligence first. How else would we determine a fair offer?"

"Then don't bother. Blackwood Industries wants us too. Nathan Blackwood's easier to deal with than you." Victor's roaming gaze contrasted with Evelyn's impenetrable composure.

He wanted to touch her but hesitated - this was no ordinary woman.

Evelyn's smile chilled. "Nathan doesn't part with money easily. His funds aren't so accessible."

Victor slammed the table with a bully's grin. "Neither are my records. Company policy requires a dozen approvals. Our CEO's away for weeks. Care to wait?"

Clearly, Victor meant to obstruct her.

Others feared Evelyn's status as Sterling Enterprises' heiress, but what could a pampered princess really do?

Victor smirked, confident the ledgers wouldn't leave today.

Evelyn's lashes lowered briefly before meeting his gaze with an arctic smile. "Then we'll dispense with formalities. Bennett, have the team remove these."