Chapter 732

Evelyn and Natalie froze mid-step, exchanging incredulous glances at Sebastian.

Evelyn took a steadying breath before speaking. "I thought your family was always progressive about these matters?"

The Hart family was notorious for spoiling their heirs rotten.

She knew this firsthand. After Julian's tragic accident, their indulgence toward Sebastian had reached new heights. The man could snap his fingers and get whatever he wanted. Even when he crossed lines, the worst he'd get was a mild scolding.

Sebastian's eyes welled up dramatically. "That was before! Everything changed when Grandfather's health declined. Pacific Crest Enterprises became a battlefield overnight. One particular shareholder is blackmailing me to marry his daughter—threatening to oust my entire family from the board."

Evelyn's breath hitched. While unfamiliar with Pacific Crest's internal politics, she couldn't fathom how the Harts had let a shareholder gain such control.

"How did things escalate so quickly?"

Sebastian's voice cracked. "I never paid attention to corporate affairs. These shareholders were Grandfather's most trusted advisors—until they stabbed us in the back. I haven't even told him... The shock might—" His sentence trailed off ominously.

Evelyn and Natalie shared a loaded look before turning sympathetic eyes toward their distressed friend.

Sebastian Hart—the carefree playboy—had finally encountered a problem money couldn't solve.

The trio sat in tense silence, brainstorming solutions. At some point, Sebastian began sniffling again.

Natalie shot him a disgusted look.

Evelyn bit her lip. "Is she... at least attractive?"

'If she's passable, maybe Sebastian could fake compliance and scheme later...' Evelyn reasoned.

Sebastian's sobs intensified. "She's eleven years my senior. Twice divorced."

Dead silence.

Poor bastard.

This clearly wasn't happening without a fight.

Natalie suddenly snapped her fingers. "Actually, there might be a way to flip the board—literally."

Two pairs of eyes locked onto her.

A sly smile curved Natalie's lips. "Find a stronger alliance. Gather kompromat on those vultures. Crush them methodically while preparing countermeasures."

More silence.

Where would Sebastian find such a powerful marriage prospect?

Natalie nudged Evelyn, who pointed at herself. "Me?"

'Sacrificial lamb time?' Evelyn thought wryly. Natalie nodded emphatically.

"Not an actual marriage. Just enough to make them hesitate. Sterling Enterprises' clout would give them pause."

Evelyn tapped her chin. "Honestly, if corporate management isn't your forte, why not hire professional executives? Maintain control while delegating the headaches. But first—" She sighed. "If you need my help with this charade, I'm in."

It was just theater anyway. Evelyn wouldn't lose sleep over pretending if it saved Sebastian from ruin. She couldn't abandon him now.

Sebastian suddenly lunged forward, attempting to engulf them in a teary group hug.

"You're angels! I love you both!"

Twin eye rolls met his dramatics as they shoved him off.

"Save the melodrama for your shareholders."

They finalized their strategy before parting ways.

Next Morning

Snow blanketed the city, frosting every surface in crystalline white.

Evelyn selected a knockout dress—crimson silk that clung to every curve—and styled her hair into artful waves.

Descending the staircase, she found Lucas wolf-whistling. "Hot date?"

William barely glanced up from his newspaper. "Nonsense. Your sister simply exists on another plane of beauty."

Lucas muttered something about unfair genetic blessings.