Chapter 177

Evelyn forwarded the link to Jonathan with a quiet murmur. "Jonathan, you should see this."

Across the room, Genevieve turned toward Evelyn, her voice trembling with desperation. "Ms. Carter, please—forgive me. I admit it was my fault."

Her hands clenched at her sides. "I shouldn’t have confronted you without verifying the facts first. This is entirely on me."

Evelyn studied her, skepticism flickering in her gaze. She wasn’t convinced Genevieve’s sudden remorse stemmed purely from regret—not when her family’s company had just been swallowed whole.

After a weighted pause, Evelyn arched a brow. "Why did you come to see me?"

Genevieve blinked, caught off guard, but quickly composed herself. "Ms. Carter, I truly recognize my mistake. Please, just give me this one chance."

"Get up first," Evelyn urged, her tone firm.

Genevieve shook her head, stubborn. "Not until you forgive me."

She stayed kneeling, defiance and fear warring in her posture.

Only when Evelyn finally muttered a reluctant pardon did Genevieve rise, her earlier arrogance replaced by something far more unsettling—genuine trepidation.

Once she was gone, the office settled back into uneasy silence.

Jonathan, standing nearby, finished reading the forwarded message. His gaze slid to Evelyn, a new layer of intrigue darkening his eyes. He hadn’t anticipated her maneuvering things so deftly behind the scenes.

Even with Keystone Construction collapsing, the Stewarts were old money—generations deep in wealth. Seeing Genevieve kneel to Evelyn? That was unexpected.

Lowering his voice, Jonathan beckoned, "Evelyn, my office. Now."

She followed, already knowing the unspoken question. "Jonathan, honestly? I’m just as lost as you are," she admitted before he could ask.

His lips thinned, but he relented. "Fine. If you won’t explain, I won’t push. But this situation… it’s working in your favor."

Evelyn didn’t bother correcting his assumption.

Back at her desk, she couldn’t resist digging into Keystone’s sudden downfall. One name stood out—Vista Properties.

A cold realization slithered down her spine.

Victoria’s family’s company.

Just yesterday, Victoria had sneered at her in that restaurant, boasting about her powerful brother’s backing. Now, coincidentally, that same brother had acquired Keystone?

What game was Victoria playing?

Scrolling further, Evelyn stumbled upon reports of environmental violations at Keystone’s golf course. Public outrage had sent stocks plummeting.

Then came the news: Reginald Stewart, overwhelmed, had suffered a stroke.

Now fighting for his life, his empire crumbled as his scattered heirs clawed for scraps.

Overnight, Keystone had imploded.

Evelyn wasn’t surprised. A man like Reginald, who’d ruined countless lives, deserved no less.

But the timing… it was too perfect.

Her phone buzzed—Penelope’s name flashed on the screen.

Evelyn answered warily. "Yes?"

"Evelyn, did you tattle to Nathaniel?" Penelope’s voice was venomous. "He canceled my cards and forbade my family from helping me. You heartless witch!"

Evelyn froze.

She had mentioned Penelope’s interference to Nathaniel—but only so he’d rein her in. All Evelyn wanted was peace.

She never expected him to cut Penelope off entirely.

Not when they were family.