Chapter 47

[Evelyn: That's quite enough! Both of you are acting like spoiled children.]

The moment Evelyn's message flashed across their private chat, Sebastian and Dominic immediately straightened up like disciplined soldiers.

[Evelyn: Nathan is digging into us because he suspects Dominic's identity. After Dominic defended me twice, Nathan must have realized Sebastian would never behave that way.]

Evelyn's sapphire eyes darkened as she swirled the crimson liquid in her crystal glass.

[Evelyn: If that's the case, there's no point hiding anymore. I'll give him the answers he seeks.]

The weekend arrived with startling swiftness.

Bowing to public pressure, Sterling Enterprises scheduled a press conference at the Grandview Galleria Hotel, inviting every major media outlet in Crestview.

Sterling Enterprises had always been a minor player in the industry, barely registering on the corporate radar.

Yet overnight, the Sterling family became the center of attention when Victoria announced her engagement to Nathan Blackwood.

Across from the hotel entrance, a sleek black Maybach idled at the curb.

Nathan watched the live broadcast through his tablet, his expression unreadable.

"Mr. Blackwood," Oliver murmured from the driver's seat, "the chairman has been dropping hints all week about assisting the Sterlings."

His brow furrowed with concern. "If you continue opposing him, won't it damage your relationship? Madam Whitmore will surely use this against you."

Nathan's voice remained ice-cold. "Let her try. I won't lift a finger for the Sterlings."

He turned his gaze back to the screen. "My father and I were never close to begin with. This changes nothing."

Oliver exhaled quietly in relief.

Nathan had always maintained his distance from the Blackwood family affairs, keeping his emotions locked away.

The press conference began promptly.

Damian Sterling strutted onto the stage in an ill-fitting black suit, his chin tilted arrogantly. His entire demeanor radiated resentment at being forced into this public spectacle.

"As everyone knows," he declared, "Sterling Enterprises operates thirty-two Luxe Furnishings showrooms in Crestview alone, with over four hundred nationwide. Our reputation in this industry is impeccable. These baseless accusations are nothing but malicious slander!"

Oliver snorted at the screen. "The audacity! Standing there lying through his teeth when everyone knows about their shoddy craftsmanship. The man has no shame."

Nathan remained silent, his brows drawing together like storm clouds.

"But Monarch Grand Hotels were the first to expose Luxe Furnishings' quality issues," a sharp-eyed reporter countered. "They've maintained an impeccable reputation for decades. Are you suggesting they'd risk that to smear your company?"

Damian's face darkened instantly. "Luxe Furnishings has operated flawlessly for twelve years! This isolated incident breaks my heart."

"Then you admit there are quality issues?" the reporter pressed. "Because if I recall correctly, there was a serious complaint filed early last year. I believe many colleagues here remember that incident."

Murmurs of recognition spread through the press corps.

Damian's knuckles turned white as he clenched his fists.

Deep in the hotel's underground garage, Evelyn lounged in her sports car, watching the live feed with satisfaction curling her crimson lips.

No one would suspect she'd planted that particular reporter with carefully crafted questions.

In the two years since Damian took Sterling Enterprises' helm, he'd squandered the family fortune through reckless decisions and shoddy business practices. Their financial reserves were nearly depleted.

Theodore let out a derisive chuckle. "The man's got nerve, lying so blatantly at a press conference. Does he really think no one has proof?"

"Oh, he's got a trump card," Evelyn purred, plucking a chocolate from Theodore's pocket. She unwrapped it with deliberate slowness before taking a delicate bite. "That's why he's so bold."

Her eyes gleamed with predatory anticipation. "Just wait. Push him hard enough, and he'll play that card. Then our moment will come."