Chapter 999

Lucas would have eliminated this woman long ago if it were up to him.

She wouldn’t still be circling their world like a vulture.

Cassandra Blake wouldn’t have lasted this long under Lucas’ watch. But now, it was too late.

"Harrison didn’t follow her lead, but he was still dragged into this mess by someone else."

Lucas scowled, disgusted by the entire situation.

Evelyn took a sip of the warm milk the butler handed her.

"The official spokesperson shouldn’t be replaced. Harrison’s aesthetic aligns perfectly with our product. There’s a depth to him—something refined. Our new men’s watch is a luxury piece. A young idol wouldn’t carry the same weight."

Just then, the butler cleared his throat.

"Ms. Sinclair, there’s a visitor for Chairman Sterling. An old friend from years ago. Should I inform him?"

Evelyn exchanged a glance with Lucas.

They both knew exactly who had arrived—Charles Dudley, Cassandra’s father.

Lucas scoffed. "He actually has the nerve to show up?"

Evelyn pulled up a video on her phone and handed it to the butler.

"Let my father watch this before deciding whether to see Mr. Dudley."

The butler nodded and disappeared into the backyard where William was fishing. Moments later, he returned, holding a shattered phone.

"Chairman Sterling was… quite upset."

Evelyn stifled a laugh. "It’s fine."

Clearly, William’s temper hadn’t cooled.

Thankfully, she had a spare phone upstairs. The next second, William stormed in, cursing under his breath.

"Charles still dares to step foot here? I pitied him for losing his child, but turns out she’s just as rotten. Scheming against us?"

Evelyn couldn’t help but chuckle.

"Dad, Uncle Charles probably has no idea what Cassandra did. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be rushing over like this."

Lucas sneered. "He’s not here for her. He’s here for his son’s company—afraid we’ll retaliate."

Truth.

Evelyn arched a brow. "The Sterlings and Dudleys were never close, but we weren’t enemies either. Just… indifferent."

She knew better, though.

The Dudley heir had spent years desperately trying to tie their sinking company to the Sterlings. Mediocre at best, he’d barely kept the business afloat.

Without serious financial backing, they’d be wiped from the market soon. Sterling Enterprises had never bothered with them—outdated equipment, lax management, zero competitive edge.

Acquiring them would be more trouble than it was worth.

On paper, they were worth billions. In reality? Drowning in debt.

Bankruptcy was inevitable.

Only a fool like Cassandra would think she’d landed in the same golden nest as Evelyn.

Evelyn turned to the butler.

"Tell our guest that Ms. Blake’s actions don’t reflect her family. We don’t punish the innocent."

The butler glanced at William, who gave no objection, then left.

Lucas crossed his arms. "You’re being too lenient."

Evelyn sighed. "Uncle Charles and Dad were once close. They grew apart because of ideology—Dad favored progress, Uncle Charles clung to tradition. Neither was wrong. We won’t make things difficult for him just because our families drifted."