Chapter 481

"That's beyond your concern."

As the most formidable defense attorney in Crestview, Lawrence Pembroke's success couldn't simply be credited to his family's legal connections. His ruthless precision and meticulous case strategies played an equal role.

Certain victories required... unconventional methods. Necessary evils to secure acquittals.

Despite Theodore Winslow's earnest appeals, Evelyn remained unmoved about revoking his compulsory leave.

She clarified this wasn't a vacation. These seven days were for introspection - about his professional conduct and how he perceived her authority.

After Isabella Laurent's persistent invitations, Evelyn finally relented and made an appearance.

The international superstar shed all pretenses of diva behavior around Evelyn. She played the devoted fan, personally serving drinks and attending to every need.

Evelyn had no interest in tormenting Isabella further. While she maintained her Alexa persona, business came first. Monarch Grand Hotels' reputation and profitability outweighed personal grievances.

Thus, she consented to host Isabella's wedding.

The actress nearly vibrated with excitement.

But that wasn't all. Isabella offered to become Monarch Group's brand ambassador pro bono, plus agreed to an extravagant budget - reparations for past disrespect.

"Ms. Carter, what's this?" Isabella stared at the documents in disbelief.

Evelyn sipped her espresso with practiced elegance. "Your revised wedding proposal."

Isabella and her manager exchanged stunned glances. The turnaround was impossibly fast.

She'd drafted it with record-breaking efficiency.

"This wasn't rushed," Evelyn corrected. "I prepared this version long ago."

Placing her cup down, she continued, "I always create contingency plans. Never imagined I'd need the alternate proposal, but circumstances change."

Isabella's lips pressed together as unease prickled her skin.

"The wedding's imminent, Ms. Carter. Venue preparation takes time. Can we manage this?" The manager fretted.

Evelyn's smile held secrets. "You admire gothic aesthetics, correct? How do you feel about black roses?"

"Black roses?" Isabella's squeal could shatter crystal.

"The current venue features excessive red roses. Replacing them with Ecuadorian black roses would be more... efficient." Evelyn's eyes gleamed.

Isabella flushed with exhilaration.

The initial proposal had pleased her, but this? This was her fantasy wedding realized.

Black roses symbolized obsession, mystery, and eternal devotion.

A macabre romance dripping with dark charm.

"Aren't those... funeral flowers?" The manager ventured timidly.

Evelyn knew the visuals would ignite social media.

A celebrity wedding of this caliber would dominate headlines for weeks.

While profits mattered, her true aim was catapulting Monarch Grand Hotels onto the global stage.

The manager suspected Isabella was merely a pawn in this ambition.