Chapter 236

Evelyn's lips curled into a sly smile as she adjusted the strap of her designer handbag. "Ms. Blackwood, you mentioned wanting to discuss a collaboration, yet you barged in unannounced. No appointment, no courtesy—just a desperate attempt to corner Mayor Harrington. How... unprofessional."

Cassandra scoffed from beside her mother. "Exactly!"

Evelyn sighed dramatically, her fingers tapping against her thigh. "I know my arrival is unexpected, but time is of the essence. If I delay any longer, Mayor Harrington might make a decision he'll deeply regret."

"Regret?" Penelope's voice sharpened. "What are you implying?"

Ignoring her completely, Evelyn locked eyes with the mayor. "Mayor Harrington, is Monarch Group truly not worth your consideration? Or is it because I'm a woman that you assume I lack authority within my family's corporation?" She tilted her head, her tone dripping with faux innocence. "My eldest brother, Sebastian Kingsley—CEO of Monarch Group—entrusted this matter entirely to me. If you doubt my word, I can arrange for him to meet you immediately."

The mayor shifted uncomfortably. "Ms. Kingsley, it's not that I don't trust you. But Leonard Blackwood and I have a long-standing partnership. Blackwood Industries is a well-established name in Crestview. Perhaps another time—"

A smug smirk played on Leonard and Penelope's faces.

How laughable. This naive girl actually thought she could waltz in and steal a project right from under them.

Evelyn's smile turned razor-sharp. "I understand. Pre-existing relationships do complicate things." She leaned in slightly, her voice lowering to a conspiratorial whisper. "But let me assure you—cooperating with Monarch Group guarantees one thing."

Her eyes gleamed with mischief. "You won't regret it."

Nathan's pulse spiked.

That look. That tone. He knew that expression—Evelyn was about to drop a bomb.

"Ms. Kingsley," Penelope snapped, "are you suggesting there's something wrong with working with Blackwood Industries?"

Evelyn blinked innocently. "Theodore, what time is it?"

"Three o'clock, Miss," her secretary replied smoothly.

"Perfect." She gestured toward his phone. "Show Mayor Harrington the three o'clock news, would you?"

Theodore tapped his screen, and a reporter's voice filled the air.

"Breaking news: Vincent Whitmore, deputy general manager of Blackwood Industries, was arrested this afternoon on charges of bribery and illegal bid-rigging in connection with multiple high-profile projects. Sources confirm Mr. Whitmore is the cousin of Penelope Whitmore, wife of Blackwood Industries' chairman. Investigators are now looking into potential accomplices—"

Leonard's face drained of color. Penelope swayed, her manicured nails digging into her palms.

"Mom!" Cassandra gasped. "What the hell is going on?!"

Nathan watched Evelyn's serene expression with amusement.

The arrest had happened two hours ago—yet the news had been suppressed until now.

No doubt her brother Dominic, the prosecutor, had pulled strings to keep it quiet.

"Penelope," Leonard hissed, "explain this."

"I—I don't know anything!" Penelope's voice cracked. "Mayor Harrington, Mrs. Harrington, this is all a misunderstanding! Fake news!"

Mrs. Harrington's lips thinned. "Is Vincent Whitmore really your cousin? And were you involved in these projects?"

Before Penelope could respond, a group of suited men approached—badges glinting in the sunlight.

"Ms. Whitmore," the lead investigator announced, "you're needed for questioning regarding your cousin's case."

Evelyn sipped her sparkling water, savoring the chaos.

Checkmate.