Chapter 239

Within mere hours, scandalous headlines about Blackwood Industries dominated every news outlet, skyrocketing to the top of trending topics.

Penelope Whitmore's disgraceful arrest on the golf course had been captured on video and leaked online, spreading like wildfire across social media.

A corporation as powerful as Blackwood Industries could usually pressure media outlets to bury unfavorable stories.

But Evelyn had struck first. By the time the Blackwoods mobilized their damage control, it was already too late.

Even their strongest influence couldn’t suppress the storm now.

The majority shareholder behind Spotlight News was Monarch Group. That meant they could loop footage of Penelope’s arrest on a 24-hour broadcast if Evelyn demanded it.

Creative netizens had already turned Penelope and Cassandra’s humiliation into viral memes. Someone had even edited their public missteps into a ridiculous zumba routine set to upbeat music.

Meanwhile, Leonard Blackwood scrambled to bail Penelope out, desperate to contain the PR disaster.

Evelyn, victorious in this first skirmish, returned to Monarch Grand Hotel in high spirits.

She indulged in an extravagant afternoon tea before settling into her office, gaming while video-calling Sebastian to gloat about her triumph.

"I’ve reserved the private dining room at our hotel’s restaurant. Let’s meet with Mayor Harrington the day after tomorrow—I want the Westridge project finalized by the end of the week!"

Evelyn was in her element, gleefully annihilating zombies in her game.

"Dominic’s interrogating Penelope now. Don’t let his usual playboy act fool you—when it comes to work, he’s ruthless. He won’t let her go until he’s wrung out every useful detail."

On-screen, Sebastian sat in his CEO office, impeccably dressed in a tailored suit. His warm smile couldn’t mask the natural authority radiating from him.

"It won’t matter. She’ll still walk free in the end," Evelyn said confidently.

"Do you want her to walk free?" Sebastian’s tone was skeptical.

"What difference would it make? We don’t have enough to convict her."

Evelyn smirked as her in-game character revved a chainsaw, slicing through a zombie. "Penelope didn’t rise this high just because Leonard favors her. She’s cunning. She and her cousin Vincent Whitmore embezzled for years—Vincent took the fall while she stayed in the shadows, reaping the rewards. She’s a master manipulator."

Sebastian nodded thoughtfully. "A shame, then."

"Not at all."

Evelyn’s crimson lips curled into a dazzling smile. "As long as we profit, I’m satisfied. Besides, I never intended to crush her in one move. What I want is for her to lose her position as vice-chairman, lose Leonard’s trust, and make him blame her for Blackwood Industries losing this deal. Let her stew in that failure."

This would drive a wedge between Penelope and Leonard.

Defeating an enemy wasn’t just about victory—it was about making them suffer. Since Evelyn couldn’t destroy Penelope outright, she’d settle for breaking her spirit.

Owned by N?velDrama.Org.

Soon, Penelope would find her office as suffocating as a prison cell.

"Evelyn," Sebastian leaned forward, his voice teasing, "do you know what I want most right now?"

"Hmm? What?"

"To retire immediately—just to make room for you."

He sighed dramatically, spreading his hands. "Honestly, no one is more suited to be Monarch Group’s CEO than you."

At that, Evelyn’s expression soured.

The mountain of blind date profiles Harrison kept forcing on her felt like a curse. She was half-convinced he’d bury them with her in her coffin.

Just then, her phone buzzed—Arabella was calling.

"Seb, talk later. Arabella’s calling."

"Of course. Now that she’s back in Crestview, spend time with her. She needs you." His voice softened.

"I know. She’s the baby of the family—who else would I spoil?"

Truthfully, Evelyn carried a quiet guilt about Arabella. As the youngest, Arabella should have been the most cherished.

But from the moment Evelyn was born, her charisma had made her Harrison’s favorite. She’d unintentionally stolen the spotlight—and the affection—that should have been Arabella’s.

So Evelyn made sure to compensate however she could.

If Arabella needed love, Evelyn would give it to her tenfold.