Chapter 145

Evelyn's fingers trembled slightly as she pushed open Julian's office door.

"Was it William?" Her voice was tight. "The Kingsley Group incident."

Julian set down his documents, his gaze lingering on her pale face.

"Surface evidence points to a South American trading firm." He handed her a file. "But the methods resemble what happened seven years ago."

Papers rustled as Evelyn flipped through the documents.

"Too coincidental." She murmured. "Alexander just told me about the positions yesterday."

Julian's eyes darkened.

"Did you check the exchange records?"

"Yes." Evelyn shook her head. "No unusual login activity."

Silence filled the office.

Evelyn knew what Julian was thinking. Everyone suspected her of leaking the positions.

Including Alexander.

"Kingsley Group took too much risk this time." Julian said suddenly.

"Shorting coffee futures during a bumper harvest is standard practice." Evelyn instinctively defended.

Julian smiled bitterly. She always protected Kingsley Group like this.

...

The Winslow mansion blazed with light.

"Perfect!" Mrs. Winslow slapped the armrest. "Let's see Alexander recover from this!"

Mr. Winslow swirled his wine glass, unable to hide his smirk. "Ten billion in losses will cripple Kingsley Group."

"Serves them right!" Mrs. Winslow turned to her daughter. "Isabella, this was all thanks to you."

Isabella smiled faintly, discreetly dialing William's number.

"William, stop now." She whispered. "Kingsley Group has lost enough."

A soft chuckle came through the phone. "Stop now? Isabella, the show's just beginning."

"But..." Isabella bit her lip. "I want to help Alexander one more time."

"Oh?" William's tone turned knowing. "The same method as seven years ago?"

"Yes." Isabella's voice turned sugary. "Exactly like before."

"Fine." William paused. "But I want that Butterfly Brooch."

Isabella tightened her grip on the phone. "Deal."

...

Melissa's office door flew open.

"Evelyn Sinclair, how dare you show your face here?" She screeched. "Resign immediately!"

Evelyn stood calmly in the doorway.

"On what grounds?"

"For leaking trade secrets!" Melissa slammed her desk. "Horizon Media won't take the fall for you!"

Evelyn stepped forward slowly.

"Proof?"

Melissa sneered. "The entire finance world knows it was you!"

"So," Evelyn met her gaze, "you want me to confess falsely?"

"Quit while you're ahead." Melissa lowered her voice. "Or else..."

"Or else what?" Evelyn suddenly smiled. "Show me your best move, Director Lee?"

Melissa's face twisted.

She hadn't expected Evelyn to fight back at this stage.

"Fine. Very well." Melissa ground out. "We'll see who has the last laugh."

Evelyn turned to leave, her spine straight.

She knew the real storm was only beginning.