Chapter 7
By noon, the financial news networks had completely abandoned their regular programming, replacing it with breaking coverage of the Sterling scandal. Aerial footage showed federal agents carrying boxes of evidence out of the opulent marble-columned lobby of Sterling Industries, the very building where Arthur had arrogantly mocked Evelyn the night before. The stark contrast between their public displays of untouchable wealth and the reality of their impending criminal indictments played on every television screen across the country.
In the Vance penthouse, the mood was remarkably subdued. There was no wild celebration, no popping of champagne corks. Marcus and Evelyn viewed the spectacle on the silent wall monitor with quiet dignity, understanding that true power did not need to shout to make its presence felt.
The secure intercom on the desk chimed. Sarah’s voice came through, clear and professional. “Evelyn, you have a visitor in the lobby holding area. It’s Arthur Sterling’s lead legal counsel, trying to negotiate a settlement before the grand jury indictments are handed down.”
Evelyn looked up at her father, raising an eyebrow. Marcus gave a small, almost imperceptible nod, signaling her to take the meeting. This was her victory to finalize.
Ten minutes later, the private elevator doors opened to reveal a visibly shaken corporate lawyer, clutching a leather briefcase to his chest like a shield. He looked older, defeated by the sheer speed at which his clients’ empire had disintegrated. He stepped out into the spacious penthouse, stopping a few feet away from Evelyn’s desk.
“Miss Vance,” the lawyer began, his voice lacking the usual sharp confidence of high-priced legal mercenaries. “I represent the Sterling family. We realize that... certain mistakes were made last night at the gala.”
Evelyn did not invite him to sit down. She remained standing behind her desk, her posture immaculate, her dark eyes piercing the man with an unyielding gaze. “Mistakes?” she repeated, her voice dripping with cool irony. “Your clients didn't make mistakes. They committed fraud, corporate extortion, and physical intimidation. They thought they could break our company and push us out of the market.”
“They are willing to offer a complete surrender of their remaining logistics subsidiaries,” the lawyer pressed urgently, stepping closer. “In exchange for a cessation of further criminal referrals to the federal prosecutor.”
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Evelyn walked around the desk, closing the distance between them until she stood towering over the frantic attorney, despite her shorter stature. The quiet confidence she radiated forced the man to take an involuntary step backward.
“Tell the Sterlings that we don't negotiate with criminals who prey on the vulnerable,” Evelyn said firmly. “Everything they built was stolen, and every piece of it will be reclaimed through legal channels. There are no deals to be made here.”
