Chapter 850

Vincent Caldwell knew Evelyn Sinclair wouldn't agree immediately. He chuckled, "Yes, it's certainly an issue. But sticking to the original price would bankrupt us."

His eyes gleamed with calculation. "President Sinclair, I have a proposal. Your factory currently handles medical device assembly. Why not outsource the entire process to us? We'll manufacture and assemble everything before delivering the finished products. Think of the efficiency gains."

The man's true intentions became clear.

He wanted their core technology.

Sterling Enterprises' high-precision factories handled assembly under strict confidentiality agreements. Outsourcing meant surrendering their competitive advantage.

Evelyn lowered her lashes momentarily. When she looked up, a polite yet guarded smile played on her lips. "Mr. Caldwell, counteroffer - we'll extend the contract to five years. Prioritize Sterling products during this period, and I'll increase prices by twenty percent."

A win-win solution.

She acknowledged rising material costs. Maintaining original prices would eventually ruin Vincent. Alexander Sterling had advised offering incentives to ensure reliable supply. Twenty percent was generous.

Vincent's disappointment showed. The assembly rights interested him more. This wasn't the spoiled heiress rumors described - she was sharper than her brother.

"Twenty percent works," he conceded. "You're quite generous, President Sinclair. Shall we proceed with signing?"

Evelyn nodded to Bennett, who moved to prepare documents. As they waited, a familiar figure caught her eye. Probably another business contact. She dismissed it.

With negotiations concluded, they retreated from the chilly terrace to the clubhouse lobby. Vincent excused himself for an urgent call. Evelyn scrolled through her phone until a shadow fell across her screen.

"Seraphina Devereux?"

Evelyn remembered the reality show contestant well. After Seraphina orchestrated Xavier Delmont's elimination, she'd emerged as the show's biggest winner. Now, the woman stood before her with red-rimmed eyes, her makeup-free face sallow with distress.

Seraphina kept glancing around nervously. "Ms. Sinclair, you know Vincent Caldwell? Please... help me save my daughter."

Evelyn stiffened. Daughter?

Since when was Seraphina a mother? Weren't her affections still fixed on Nathan Blackwood?

"What happened to your daughter?" Evelyn asked carefully.

Seraphina's gaze darted toward where Vincent had disappeared. "He took her. That man's dangerous. She's in his clubhouse suite right now. Please help me get her out."

Her entire body trembled, her voice barely above a whisper.

Evelyn's instincts flared. Could this be a trap?

She arched a brow. "If you know where she is, why involve me? I'm not law enforcement."

Seraphina bit her lip hard enough to draw blood. "I swear I'm not lying! Nathan Blackwood would kill me if I deceived you."

At Nathan's name, Evelyn's eyes narrowed. Seraphina did share a unique connection with him - not romantic, but something resembling employer and employee.