Chapter 549

No.1

"And let's not forget, Senior, your so-called 'achievements' in the Financial Department. The veterans have seen it all. Without your father, would you even be a director?"

"You're just jealous!" Melissa shrieked. "Jealous that I have family backing while you're nothing but an orphan!"

Evelyn chuckled.

When she first joined the Financial Department, Melissa had been too proud for petty insults.

Now she was unraveling like a hysterical shrew.

And Evelyn? She remained unshaken. "Perhaps you should ask your father how he seized control of the Financial Department—and how he made you believe it was your birthright."

"Evelyn Sinclair!" William Yearwood suddenly interjected.

"Does President Yearwood have something to add?" Evelyn met his gaze directly. "Perfect timing. You were there when it happened. Why don't you enlighten Director Lee?"

No.2

"W-why are we even discussing this?" William stammered. "We're here to talk about the Winston Strauss interview—"

"But the conclusion you've reached is to expel me." Evelyn's voice was calm. "Do you think that's appropriate, President Yearwood?"

Beads of sweat formed on William's forehead.

She wasn't supposed to know any of this...

He had tested the waters. She should have remembered nothing.

Had she uncovered something?

"What's going on?" A senior executive frowned. "Is Editor Sinclair also connected to Horizon Media? Is she competing with Director Lee?"

"Let's stay on topic." Another executive's face darkened. "President Yearwood is right. This is about the Winston Strauss interview. If you think Director Lee has no authority over you, what about me, the Vice President? Do I have the right to fire you on the spot?"

No.3

Evelyn lifted her chin slightly.

"If the leadership insists, I have nothing more to say. But as for Winston's interview—I'm afraid I can't help."

"You're still hung up on the interview?" The executives laughed.

Even now, she refused to back down.

"Skip the maternity leave. Just resign. Sign the non-compete, and we'll part ways amicably. The company will handle Winston."

Melissa's smile was triumphant.

For once, the higher-ups were unanimous.

Evelyn would leave today.

No.4

Just then—

A knock sounded at the conference room door.

"President Yearwood," the secretary said cautiously, "Mr. Winston Strauss's assistant just contacted us..."

The conference room air turned to ice.

Executives exchanged uneasy glances, skepticism written across their faces.

William Yearwood's fingers drummed an impatient rhythm on the table.

Winston Strauss's assistant reached out first?

How did Evelyn Sinclair secure this interview?

No.5

A million-dollar fee—and she agreed without hesitation?

Dark scowls deepened across the room.

"Scrap the non-compete clause," someone sneered. "No point wasting company resources."

What difference would it make?

Horizon Media's influence could bury Evelyn's career overnight.

"Which assistant? What exactly was said?" William's voice tightened.

The secretary handed him a tablet. "Mr. Yeager sent the interview agreement for our approval."

Approval?

No.6

Approval to be swindled?

William was about to erupt when the door swung open.

Julian Ashford strode in.

His gaze brushed past Evelyn—so fleeting it might've been imagined.

"I hear we've landed the Winston Strauss exclusive?"

Melissa Lee cut in first. "Editor Sinclair acted unilaterally. Didn't even consult the company on pricing."

Her nails dug into her palms.

Julian didn't spare her a glance.

No.7

"Budget isn't an issue." He locked eyes with William. "Since when does Horizon pinch pennies?"

"Have you lost your mind?" William slammed the table. "We're not funding this fiasco!"