Chapter 417

The Monarch Group project team regained their spark after the crucial meeting. Motivation surged through them like an electric current.

Evelyn Carter had that magnetic effect - turning employees into devoted followers with her charismatic leadership.

Her briefing today radiated infectious energy.

"Isabella Wang agreed to meet me tonight," she announced, eyes gleaming. "I won't count my chickens before they hatch, but this is our breakthrough moment."

The conference room erupted in cheers.

Only Julian Whitmore remained silent at the far end. His plastered smile couldn't mask the storm brewing beneath.

"We violated contract terms, but Isabella understands business." Evelyn's manicured fingers tapped the mahogany table. "My revised proposal outshines the Blackwoods'. When she sees it, she'll forget our initial missteps."

"Show us, Ms. Kingsley!" someone called out.

Evelyn's smile turned rueful. "After last month's security breach, I'm exercising caution. This isn't about trust - we're under microscopic scrutiny." She straightened her blazer. "As Monarch Grand's CEO, I can't risk another corporate espionage incident."

The team nodded, exchanging eager glances. They practically vibrated with anticipation for their next move.

That evening, Evelyn dined at Éclat while Theodore Winslow organized documents in her office.

The moment Theodore left, Julian slipped inside like a shadow.

Security was unusually lax - his golden opportunity.

Every surveillance camera captured his movements, but desperation overrode caution. Time was running out.

If he didn't secure that proposal tonight, Evelyn might finalize the deal with Isabella. And Vivian Prescott would never get her vengeance.

Love had blinded Julian completely. For Vivian, he'd cross any line - even becoming a criminal.

His phone flashlight cut through the darkness as he combed through Evelyn's meticulously organized space.

The proposal had to be here. Evelyn hadn't left the premises, and Theodore carried no briefcase.

Drawers flew open. File cabinets whispered as he rifled through them. Cold sweat dotted his forehead.

Then - jackpot. The thick dossier lay buried beneath financial reports.

"Got you," Julian breathed, clutching the precious documents. "Vivian, this is for you."

Lights blazed to life.

Theodore stormed in with security, forming an impenetrable circle around Julian.

Julian stood frozen, still gripping the stolen goods. He'd expected eventual exposure - just not this soon.

Security parted like the Red Sea.

Evelyn entered like a queen, her black stilettos clicking ominously. The crimson soles mirrored the fire in her gaze.

Her commanding aura could've toppled empires.

Julian's knees nearly buckled. Fear coiled in his gut.

"Commercial theft carries a three-year sentence minimum." Evelyn's voice could frost glass. "Those papers in your hands? They're your prison sentence."

Theodore's glare could've melted steel. "Trade secret theft? That's three to ten years. Plus financial reparations that'll bankrupt you ten times over."