Chapter 204

"The price hasn't been discussed yet." Evelyn Sinclair's gaze swept over Melissa Lee. "There was an unexpected development—Mr. Yeager granted me direct authorization."

Melissa's chest tightened under that look.

But she remained convinced Evelyn couldn't possibly have secured the Winston Strauss interview.

Before summoning the executives, Melissa had already spun her version—

Horizon Media paved the way by connecting with Strauss's assistant, only for Evelyn to arrive late and let Orange Media steal the opportunity.

Worse, during the confirmation call, Evelyn allegedly had someone impersonate the assistant to falsely claim success.

Outraged, Melissa called this meeting to expose the truth.

A Winston Strauss interview carried astronomical costs—more symbolic than practical for Horizon. If Evelyn truly secured it, where would the funds come from?

If she lied, such deception couldn't be tolerated.

Factual reporting was journalism's most basic ethic.

If Evelyn fabricated this, how could any future reporting be trusted?

This threatened Horizon's very foundation.

William Yearwood was first to endorse Melissa's motion, personally overseeing the meeting.

Most executives knew Evelyn only through rumors of "sleeping her way up"—especially after hearing she'd stolen Melissa's fiancé Julian Ashford.

A woman trading on her looks potentially becoming their future boss's wife?

These self-righteous men recoiled instinctively.

Moreover, Melissa's father was a Horizon founding partner with substantial influence.

Their allegiance was predetermined.

They scrutinized Evelyn with merciless precision.

"Show us the authorization letter," one executive demanded, hand outstretched. "Words are worthless."

Evelyn met his gaze. "Mr. Yeager promised to send formal documentation. I returned early to prepare interview details."

Melissa snorted.

"Verbal promise? So you can claim anything now? If it falls through, just blame Strauss for changing his mind?"

"Director Lee," Evelyn's voice held terrifying calm, "lies always unravel. You could verify directly with Mr. Yeager. Why this unseemly haste?"

Her lips curved slightly. "You're overeager."

Eager to destroy her.

The Melissa Lee Evelyn knew in university hadn't been like this.

Back then, she'd been the golden girl—half of media studies' legendary duo with Julian Ashford.

Arrogant, but genuinely talented.

This Melissa was unrecognizable—

Petty. Obsessive. Love-crazed...

Even her striking beauty had twisted into something ugly.

Perhaps a life without setbacks left her unequipped for failure.

Julian's rejection had broken something in her.

Whether Evelyn returned Julian's feelings or not, she'd become Melissa's sworn enemy.

"Overeager?" Melissa's voice spiked. "You're the one spewing lies! Do you even know what a Strauss interview costs? That foreign media rely on sponsors?"

"I do." Evelyn smiled. "Last year's million-dollar session was bankrolled by financiers just to share his frame."

"Audacious!" An executive slammed the table. "Counting on protection, or betting we won't verify?"

The subtext was clear: Don't think the Crown Prince's favor lets you play god.

"Perhaps Editor Sinclair really succeeded?" another sneered. "Though I wonder where she'd find a million dollars. If she can raise it, that's... impressive."

All eyes turned to William Yearwood.

Who else but Julian would fund this?

But a million dollars—whether personal or company funds—was absurd!

William's face darkened. "Melissa, she's your subordinate. Handle this."

Malice flashed in Melissa's eyes.

With William's blessing, she had free rein.

"Evelyn, admit your mistake now, and I might plead leniency for you," she offered faux mercy.

Leniency?

Evelyn saw through the death sentence.

Melissa wouldn't just fire her—she'd ensure total ruin.

Perfect...

Ice glinted in Evelyn's gaze.

The moment Melissa targeted her unborn child, she'd crossed the line.

There would be no second chance.

This time, Evelyn would bury Melissa forever.