Evelyn barely caught her balance.

Her hand shot out, slamming against the wall to stop her fall.

She inhaled sharply, ignoring the sudden pain in her ankle.

Her head snapped up.

The cleaning woman was gone.

Evelyn's brow furrowed deeply.

That woman had spoken in cryptic phrases.

Her behavior was bizarre.

Now, she had vanished into the empty hallway.

What secret was she hiding?

A cold certainty settled in Evelyn's gut.

This woman's secret was somehow connected to her.

The connection was a tangled mess she couldn't yet unravel.

Otherwise, why would the cleaner have tried to harm her upon their first meeting?

Meanwhile, the Sterling family's banquet was reaching its peak.

The event was officially underway.

Jonathan Sterling ascended the stage.

A hush fell over the glittering crowd.

"Ladies and gentlemen," he began, his voice smooth and commanding.

"We welcome you to our home tonight."

He offered a perfectly calibrated smile.

It was a smile designed to charm and captivate.

Many eyes followed him, particularly those of the young heiresses present.

"As you are aware," Jonathan continued, "it has been many years since we've hosted a gathering of this scale."

He paused, letting the anticipation build.

"Tonight, under the banner of the Sterling Group, we have a significant announcement to share."

A wave of murmured speculation swept through the guests.

Jonathan allowed the whispers to continue, a knowing smirk playing on his lips.

"What could be so important?" someone hissed nearby.

"Do you think it's related to that man Jonathan personally greeted earlier?"

"Perhaps. His identity remains a mystery."

As the suspense thickened, Jonathan's smile broadened.

He raised his voice, cutting through the chatter.

"Effective immediately," he declared, his tone firm and clear, "the Sterling Group is entering a formal partnership with Aethelgard Industries."

A collective gasp echoed through the grand ballroom.

Excitement erupted.

"Aethelgard Industries? Is that even possible?"

"The Sterling Group has just aligned with the most powerful corporation in the country!"

"So the entire purpose of this banquet was to announce the collaboration?"

"If that's the case, they must consider it extremely significant."

"Significant? It's Aethelgard Industries. Any corporation would go to great lengths for such a partnership."

"Do you think the founder of Aethelgard Industries is present tonight?"

"I'd give anything to finally see his face! No journalist has ever managed to capture his photograph all these years."

Jonathan Sterling allowed the excited murmurs to subside before speaking again. "In thirty minutes, we will hold an official signing ceremony. We invite you all to join us in witnessing this historic occasion."

"An official signing? So the founder truly is here?"

"Quiet! I heard a whisper—he is. And more than that, he intends to publicly introduce his wife for the very first time."

"If that's accurate... that's monumental."

"Precisely! We're speaking about the founder of Aethelgard Industries—a billionaire, one of the most influential men in the city. His wife must be a remarkable woman."

"The anticipation is unbearable."

Having delivered the announcement, Jonathan descended from the stage with smooth professionalism. He moved towards a private room located at the rear of the grand hall.

Inside, Alexander Blackwood was pacing. His phone was clenched in his hand. Anxiety was etched across his features.

Sebastian Hayes, also a guest at the Sterling family's event, observed him from nearby. He offered a calm, reasoned assurance. "Alexander, relax. Evelyn is a grown woman. She wouldn't simply disappear. She will show up soon enough."