Chapter 213

Winston Strauss tapped his fingers lightly on the desk, his gaze fixed on Evelyn Sinclair.

"Miss Sinclair, what are you so worried about?" His lips curled into a faint smirk. "The video is only in your possession. If it leaks, Lance will suspect you first."

Evelyn met his eyes steadily.

"Mr. Strauss, I've made myself clear." Her voice remained calm. "I deleted the video in front of Lance. There are no backups. Lance is my friend—I would never betray him."

Winston's expression gradually hardened.

"You should know," he said slowly, "I agreed to this interview partly because Lance likes you, and partly out of respect for Alexander Kingsley. But the final decision is mine."

He stood, looking down at her.

"I can change my mind about signing anytime."

Evelyn let out a soft laugh.

"If you want to back out, I can't stop you." She smoothed her hair. "But you want to go public with your relationship, while I only want to respect my friend's wishes. Shouldn't you honor Lance's choice too?"

"Are you lecturing me?" Winston's eyes turned icy.

Evelyn gave a slight bow.

"Of course not."

She turned toward the door, her posture straight, without hesitation.

Winston suddenly chuckled.

"True," he muttered to himself. "Not even the Kingsley fortune could keep you. Why would a mere interview make you compromise your principles?"

Evelyn's hand rested on the doorknob.

"The interview stands," Winston said abruptly. "I don't resort to threats."

Evelyn glanced back, a faint smile on her lips.

"Mr. Strauss, you should let Lance decide for himself."

"What do you mean?" Winston narrowed his eyes.

Evelyn stepped closer, lowering her voice.

"Melissa Lee won't let this go. Even without proof, she'll find another way." A sharp glint flashed in her eyes. "And between her and me, there's still unfinished business."

Melissa Lee paled the moment she pushed open the CEO's office door.

William Yearwood sat at the head of the table, Julian Ashford beside him. Her father stood rigidly by the window.

"What the hell have you done?" Her father spun around and slapped her.

Melissa staggered back, clutching her cheek in shock.

"Dad—"

"Don't call me that!" he roared. "Winston Strauss demanded your termination! Do you know what his assistant said? That you tried to seduce him to steal the interview!"

Melissa trembled.

"That's not true—"

"Enough!" William cut in. "This isn't the time. Melissa, take a few days off. We'll discuss this after the Financial Summit."

Her father exhaled heavily.

Outside, he hissed under his breath, "Have you lost your mind? What will the Yearwoods think? What will Julian think?"

Tears spilled down Melissa's cheeks.

"It's all Evelyn's fault!" she seethed. "I had explosive footage of Winston and his assistant, but it vanished from my camera! She must have tampered with it!"

Her father's expression darkened.

"Julian and that reporter—"

"He only has eyes for Evelyn!" Melissa wiped her tears. "Don't worry, Dad. This time, I won't hold back."

Laughter filled the Financial Department's workspace.

"Evelyn is amazing! She got Winston Strauss to agree to a free interview!"

"Can you get his autograph for me? I adore him!"

"Our team's performance will top the charts again this month!"

Melissa stood outside the door, her nails digging into her palms.

She shoved it open.

The laughter died instantly.

Everyone scrambled back to their seats, the air turning tense.

"Too much free time?" Melissa sneered. "KPI all met?"

Her gaze, sharp as a blade, locked onto Evelyn.

"You. My office. Now."