Chapter 43

"The caliber of KL employees is truly eye-opening." Sebastian Valdemar's icy gaze swept across the room. "Perhaps our partnership requires reevaluation."

Evelyn Roland pressed her lips together, silent.

Jessica Rubinstein shoved Hannah Clementson away, staggering back. "It was just a joke! Who knew she'd freak out?"

"Familiar with the sentencing guidelines for defamation?" Evelyn adjusted her cuffs, her voice like frozen steel.

Jessica's eyes darted nervously. She was betting Hannah wouldn’t dare escalate this.

Evelyn stepped in front of Hannah, her voice sharpening. "Rumors die with the wise. Unfortunately, everyone here chose to be an accomplice."

"Hannah's only mistake was underestimating human cruelty."

Her piercing glare made the crowd lower their eyes—all except Jessica, who stubbornly lifted her chin, though her ears burned scarlet.

"Proud of having connections?" Evelyn smirked. "You mock her for circumstances beyond her control, forgetting your own privilege is pure luck."

Under the lights, she gleamed like an unsheathed blade. Sebastian's throat tightened, something wild pounding in his chest.

"Bravo."

Applause sounded from the doorway. Alexander Roland strode in with Isabella Langley in tow.

He’d expected trouble after seeing the group chat, but he hadn’t anticipated Evelyn dismantling the farce first.

Blood truly was remarkable. He shot her an approving glance.

"My apologies for the spectacle, Mr. Valdemar," Alexander said.

Sebastian’s gaze skimmed the crowd. "I trust such individuals won’t be part of our collaboration."

"Of course not," Alexander assured.

Isabella seized the moment, fluttering her lashes. "KL values integrity above all, Mr. Valdemar!"

Sebastian ignored her, his attention elsewhere.

Biting her lip, she edged closer, but no one noticed her calculated move.

Alexander turned to Jessica. "Secret recordings. Slander. Inciting harassment. KL has no place for you."

As Jessica opened her mouth to name-drop her patron, he cut her off. "Report to HR immediately."

She stood frozen. Alexander was already addressing Sebastian. "Shall we resume our discussion?"

In the conference room, Sebastian suddenly asked, "That courageous woman—is she acquainted with you?"

Alexander remained impassive. "Merely a shared surname. Why the sudden interest in our staff?"

Meanwhile, Evelyn examined Hannah’s bruises with a sigh.

"This might be forward, but if you need help, I’m here."

Hannah collapsed into her arms, sobbing. "My father owes half a million in gambling debts. The loan sharks won’t stop—"

"First, we determine where the money went," Evelyn murmured, rubbing her trembling back.

"He swore it was a legitimate loan, but they took the cash and denied everything..." Hannah’s voice broke.