Chapter 38

"My point is, how exactly are you going to afford those designer gowns and Louboutins if you don't hustle harder?"

Evelyn had slipped into her house shoes and sauntered toward Dominic, adding with deliberate nonchalance, "Never owned anything this luxurious before."

"How tragic for you," Dominic sneered before stepping into the elevator without another glance.

Evelyn bit back her retort as the doors slid shut.

She itched to lecture him about his obscenely lavish lifestyle, but the moment had passed.

Back in her suite, she peeled off the couture dress and stepped under the shower's steaming spray.

The scalding water cascaded over her skin, temporarily washing away the day's tensions.

At Thornfield Industries the next morning, Evelyn arrived before anyone else.

By 10 AM, the boardroom was packed to capacity.

"Good morning everyone. I'm Evelyn Thorne." Her voice cut through the murmurs. "Last night, I was kidnapped."

Gasps erupted around the table. "My God! Are you alright?" someone blurted.

"Perfectly fine." Evelyn's calm demeanor contrasted with the room's shock. "But our situation isn't. Investors see us as bargain hunters' prey. The offers we're getting wouldn't cover half our debts."

"We should unveil the Cerebra System!" a developer shouted, sparking enthusiastic agreement. "One press conference and investors will be lining up!"

"My father would never sell Thornfield." Evelyn's tone turned glacial. "And Cerebra isn't market-ready. Its current value is... theoretical at best."

"So we just watch the company implode?" another executive demanded.

"Without immediate capital? Essentially, yes." Evelyn didn't flinch.

Vincent Holloway slammed both palms on the table. "You're hoarding Cerebra for yourself! Your father didn't build it alone!"

Evelyn's gaze could have frozen lava. "Mr. Holloway, if you truly believe that, assemble your own team. Recreate Cerebra. Succeed, and I'll personally endorse selling it."

Vincent's face purpled with rage.

Everyone knew Richard Thorne had been Cerebra's irreplaceable architect. Without him, the system was impossible to replicate.

"You claim to honor your father while handing his life's work to Julian Whitmore—"

"Ah." Evelyn's smile didn't reach her eyes. "So you were behind last night's abduction?"

Vincent recoiled as if struck.

"If you're clinging to Thornfield expecting a windfall," Evelyn continued, "cut your losses now." Her stare swept the room. "Anyone sharing Mr. Holloway's sentiments may collect their final paychecks today."

Vincent and two senior R&D leads stormed out, their exit punctuated by slamming doors.

"Who knew Evelyn Thorne had fangs beneath that sweet face?"

"She claims Julian has Cerebra, but I don't buy it!"

"Track Julian first. We'll see what he really knows."

At noon, Evelyn met Sophie Mercer at Villa Serenade.

"Finally!" Sophie pouted. "I was starting to think you'd forgotten me!" She leaned in conspiratorially. "Still no luck finding investors for Thornfield?"