Chapter 1219

No.1

"That's a free interview with Winston Strauss!" William slammed the table.

"Now you realize its value?" Julian mocked. "Weren't you just calling it worthless?"

His icy gaze swept the room. "A bunch of spineless cowards."

No one dared respond.

William turned his fury on the others. "Mind your own business from now on!"

He snapped at Melissa. "I don't care how you do it—get that interview back!"

Melissa stumbled out, colleagues' whispers haunting her:

No.2

"Melissa really shot herself in the foot this time..."

"Only got her position because of her father..."

"Evelyn may be arrogant, but she delivers results..."

Each word stabbed like a blade.

She hid in a corner, nails digging into her palms.

Then Julian's voice cut through her thoughts:

"Evelyn Sinclair doesn't need men. Her talent speaks for itself."

No.3

"I'm sorry, Julian." Evelyn lowered her lashes, her voice feather-soft.

Julian studied her face for a long moment before stepping forward, trapping her against the wall.

"I know you have your reasons," he said quietly. "But Evelyn, don't go back down that path."

She turned her head away from his burning gaze.

The child in her womb had already made the choice for her.

Julian watched her before finally withdrawing the longing in his eyes. "Will you continue with Winston's interview?"

"Not sure." She pressed her lips together. "But Lance promised if I withdraw, Winston won't grant interviews to other media."

No.4

Julian gave a bitter smile. "That's your charm at work."

He knew Alexander's influence had secured Winston's cooperation. But getting Lance to make such a promise? That was purely Evelyn's doing.

Jealousy coiled like a venomous snake in his chest. Alexander could meddle freely in her affairs while he remained a powerless spectator.

That one mistake had already bound Evelyn and Alexander in a marriage of convenience. Every interaction between them diminished his hopes further.

To Melissa Lee, the conversation took on a very different meaning.

So Evelyn had seduced Lance to secure the interview!

And extracted such a promise.

No.5

"My only mistake was playing fair!" Melissa clenched her fists. "In pedigree and talent, how am I inferior? Why must she trample over me?"

The thought took root and festered.

After today's meeting, even her staunchest supporters among the executives wavered. They only saw results—her humiliating defeat, Evelyn's "capabilities."

At this rate, she'd lose everything.

......

"Mr. Yeager, a journalist named Evelyn says she has an appointment with you."

Lance was heading out when he immediately retrieved a prepared gift.

No.6

"Show her in."

The door opened. Lance moved forward with the gift, only to see a heavily made-up stranger sashay in.

"Who are you?" Lance frowned.

"Mr. Yeager, I'm the Finance Department head at Horizon Media. Melissa Lee." She sidled closer with a sultry smile.

Her low-cut minidress and towering heels accentuated her legs. No man could resist such temptation—or so she believed.

Lance gave her a once-over.

Finance Department head? Evelyn's superior?

No.7

And impersonating Evelyn to get in?

"Are you out of your mind?" Lance sneered. "First accusing others of being imposters, now becoming one yourself?"

Melissa's smile froze.

She hadn't expected such blunt hostility.

"Mr. Yeager, there must be some misunderstanding," she forced out. "Evelyn said she couldn't complete the interview, so I assumed she'd sent someone else—"

"Think I'm deaf?" Lance cut in. "I took that call myself. Heard every word between you. Get out before I call security."