The moment I stepped into Lancaster Industries the next morning, I knew something was wrong.
Too many whispers. Too many sideways glances.
Vivian wasn't the type to accept defeat quietly.
And now?
She was about to show me exactly how far she was willing to go.
Lancaster Boardroom – 10 AM
I walked in, already expecting trouble.
What I didn't expect?
Vivian sitting at the head of the table.
The board members were all present, and Nathaniel stood near the windows, his expression unreadable.
Vivian, on the other hand, looked pleased.
Like a queen reclaiming her throne.
"Ah, Evelyn," she drawled, eyes gleaming. "You're just in time."
I took my seat, crossing my legs as I gave her a cold smile. "In time for what? Your latest pathetic attempt at relevance?"
Her smile didn't falter. "Oh no, dear. I'm just here to discuss the future of Lancaster Industries."
I arched a brow. "I thought you lost the right to have a say in that?"
She leaned forward, her voice dropping. "Oh, Evelyn. Haven't you realized? I will never lose my place in this family."
I narrowed my eyes. What was she up to?
Vivian turned to the board, her voice suddenly professional, charming. "Ladies and gentlemen, I understand that recent events have shaken confidence in our leadership." She shot me a fake, concerned look. "Scandals. Accusations. Doubtsabout who should be in charge."
One of the older board members cleared his throat. "Mrs. Lancaster, do you have a proposal?"
Her smile turned sharper. "I do."
Then, she dropped the bombshell.
"I am returning to Lancaster Industries as acting chairwoman—to restore order and protect our legacy."
The room erupted.
Nathaniel straightened, his expression dark. The board members whispered among themselves.
And me?
I just laughed.
Vivian's expression flickered at the sound.
"You're joking," I said, still smirking.
She tilted her head. "Not at all."
Then, she slid a document across the table.
I glanced down—and froze.
It was an official order reinstating her as a top executive… signed by key shareholders.
Shareholders that Daniel and his allies had swayed to her side.
My nails dug into the armrest of my chair. That snake.
Vivian leaned in, her voice a purr. "Did you really think you could replace me?" She tapped the document. "This family was mine long before you slithered your way in."
The challenge was clear.
She had lost a battle.
But she was coming for the war.
And this time, she wasn't alone.
Later That Night – Evelyn's Next Move
I slammed the document onto my desk, breathing heavily.
Nathaniel watched me from across the room, arms crossed. "Vivian played this well."
I turned to him, my voice cold. "She cheated."
He smirked. "So did we."
I exhaled sharply, forcing myself to calm down. "This isn't over."
Nathaniel stepped closer, his eyes dark. "No. It's just getting started."
For the first time, I saw it—the fire in his gaze.
Not doubt.
Not resistance.
Support.
Something in my chest tightened.
I had spent weeks proving myself. Fighting for my place.
And now?
Nathaniel Lancaster wasn't just tolerating me.
He was choosing to fight beside me.
I lifted my chin, meeting his gaze head-on. "Then let's destroy her."
His smirk deepened.
"Oh, darling." He reached for a glass of whiskey, taking a slow sip before locking eyes with me.
"We already have."