Chapter 33
The Sterling family was in complete chaos. Their once prestigious name had become tarnished overnight. The Luxe Furnishings showrooms across Crestview stood deserted.
To compound their misery, Nathan Blackwood had withdrawn all support. Without immediate intervention, they'd face bankruptcy the moment the Blackwood Industries capital ran dry.
The Kingsley family had masterfully turned public opinion against them by exposing Luxe Furnishings' substandard merchandise. After months of silence, Monarch Grand Hotels suddenly dominated headlines again.
Following your orders, I had someone discreetly trail Vincent Prescott after his resignation. He'd met with Damian Sterling multiple times.
Theodore Winslow gently held Evelyn Carter's delicate hand, carefully applying cuticle oil to her freshly manicured burgundy nails. "Your intuition was correct about his intentions."
"He took bribes and conspired with Damian to sabotage our hotels. This proves their collusion."
Evelyn smiled contentedly, enjoying Theodore's attentive care.
"The Sterlings are holding a press conference this weekend. I'll make sure to give them a proper spectacle."
Evelyn was so eager about the new mattress delivery that she personally went to the hotel's service entrance with Theodore to inspect them.
"Ms. Carter, you needn't trouble yourself with such manual labor. The housekeeping manager and I can handle this," Theodore said gently.
"I'm no fragile socialite. I've fired weapons and carried over a dozen wounded soldiers across battlefields. I've saved hundreds of lives. Checking mattresses is nothing."
As she spoke, a shadow of sorrow flickered in Evelyn's bright eyes.
Nathan Blackwood had been among those she rescued on the Eldermere battlefield.
Bullets had rained around them that day. Nathan took hits to his leg and shoulder, lying in a growing pool of blood as he screamed at Evelyn to leave him.
"Go! Save yourself!"
"Get out of here! Now!"
"No! I won't abandon you! We leave together or not at all!"
Back then, Evelyn had been prepared to die with Nathan. The idea of carrying his 6'3" frame across that warzone seemed impossible.
She'd even wondered if dying together counted as being together in the end.
Sharing life's hardships, then resting together in death.
She'd had no regrets!
A bitter smile twisted Evelyn's lips now as a sharp pang shot through her chest.
Nathan, she thought, I can't believe my shattered heart still aches for you.
Evelyn regretted meeting Nathan when she'd been so young and naive.
At the loading dock, workers were unloading the mattresses when Evelyn and Theodore arrived. The housekeeping manager looked impressed seeing Evelyn personally inspecting the delivery.
With Theodore's assistance, Evelyn climbed into the truck, randomly selected a mattress, tore open its packaging, tested its firmness, and finally sat on it. Satisfied, she nodded.
"Excellent. Proceed with unloading."
Just then, the roaring engine of an electric blue Lamborghini approached the hotel.
Luxury cars frequently passed near the service entrance en route to the underground parking, but this time was different.
Because behind the wheel sat Julian Montgomery, Crestview's so-called "Prince."
One hand on the steering wheel, his other arm draped around a voluptuous, pouting woman.
Sunglasses shielding his eyes, Julian casually glanced sideways.
His gaze landed on Evelyn, radiant even while helping workers maneuver a mattress.
Their bar encounter had left Julian intrigued - her bold sensuality like a rare midnight bloom. Now in professional attire, she exuded a different allure: polished, commanding, effortlessly chic.
Unlike the spoiled socialites Julian usually entertained, Evelyn worked without hesitation, unafraid to get her hands dirty.
A predatory smile curved Julian's lips.
"Country girls really are something else."