Chapter 235

The words struck Mayor Harrington and his wife like a bolt of lightning.

She was the daughter of Harrison Kingsley, the wealthiest man in Fairhaven?

"Are you truly Chairman Kingsley's daughter?" Mayor Harrington couldn't hide his astonishment, his gaze fixed on Evelyn.

Theodore Winslow cleared his throat, amused. Most people flaunt diamonds, but Ms. Carter wields her father's name like a weapon.

"Yes. You can verify this with the Blackwoods if you'd like."

Evelyn's smile deepened. "I've had business dealings with Blackwood Industries before. They can confirm my identity."

Nathan Blackwood's expression darkened as he watched her.

She didn’t even acknowledge their past—as if they were nothing more than competitors.

"Chairman Blackwood—Nathan—you're acquainted with Ms. Kingsley?"

Mayor Harrington, ever the politician, immediately adjusted his tone upon learning Evelyn's lineage. "My apologies for not recognizing you earlier." He extended his hand eagerly.

"Mayor Harrington, does my current standing qualify me to discuss this project with you?" Evelyn's smile remained, but her gaze sharpened with authority.

The mayor stiffened.

Despite her youth, she carried the same commanding presence as her father. He couldn’t afford to underestimate her.

Nathan exhaled sharply, his fists tightening. She’s using her father’s name to bulldoze her way in. Does she think business is some childish game she can interrupt whenever she pleases?

"Ms. Kingsley, your presence is an honor," Leonard Blackwood interjected smoothly, though his eyes were ice. "However, Mayor Harrington and I have confidential matters to discuss. As an outsider, you wouldn’t be privy to such details. Would you kindly grant us privacy?"

Cassandra Blackwood seethed but was restrained by Penelope Whitmore.

Let Leonard handle this, Penelope thought smugly. Evelyn is overstepping, and my husband will put her in her place.

"Mr. Blackwood, I’m aware this concerns the Westridge project. If it weren’t for that, I wouldn’t be here either."

Evelyn arched a brow, unshaken. "And why shouldn’t I participate? Monarch Group’s resources and capital rival Blackwood Industries. Any project you can handle, we can too. Isn’t it only fair that Mayor Harrington has options?"

The mayor blinked. She came prepared.

Leonard and Penelope’s expressions soured.

"Ms. Kingsley."

Nathan finally stepped forward, looming over her. "Blackwood Industries has already reached an agreement with Mayor Harrington. Every detail has been negotiated to meet Westridge’s standards. By interfering now, you’re disregarding business etiquette and creating unnecessary conflict."

Evelyn tilted her head, her bright eyes glinting. "Stealing your project? You’re absolutely right. That’s exactly what I’m doing."

"Evelyn!" Nathan’s jaw clenched.

"But I disagree about violating etiquette or causing trouble."

She stepped back, escaping his shadow, putting deliberate distance between them. "Rules are written by the victors. If you’d already signed the contract, then yes—I’d be out of line. But as it stands, no agreement is final. The rules this time? They’re still being decided."

Nathan’s eyes narrowed. He had no rebuttal.

She was right. Before ink met paper, everything was negotiable. He’d exploited that principle for years, crushing competitors effortlessly.

Now, the tables had turned.

And his opponent was his ex-wife.

"Ms. Kingsley, I doubt Mayor Harrington will choose you."

Penelope couldn’t contain herself. "Our families have been close for years. Our partnership is built on trust—something outsiders can’t replicate."