Chapter 7 - Margaret’s Last Stand
Before Daniel could respond, Margaret shoved her way through the crowd, stepping right up to the security perimeter with her chin thrust out, trying desperately to regain her dominant footing.
"Evelyn... Dr. Harper," Margaret corrected herself hastily, her voice strained with fake warmth and oily charm. "What a wonderful surprise! We are so proud of your achievements! We always knew you had incredible potential!"
Evelyn raised an eyebrow, looking down at Margaret with silent, sharp intelligence. "Is that why you had your guards throw me into the rain three months ago, Mrs. Whitaker?"
A few nearby executives gasped softly, overhearing the confrontation and looking at Margaret with sudden disgust.
Margaret’s fake smile twitched, her face turning a blotchy red as her pride fought against her rising panic.
"That was... an unfortunate family dispute," Margaret whispered hurriedly, leaning in closer. "Let's put the past behind us, Evelyn. The Whitaker Foundation has submitted the premier bid for your grant. We can give your research global reach! In fact, if you approve our application tonight, we can discuss expanding your personal share of the administrative oversight fee... substantially."
Evelyn’s eyes narrowed into icy slits as she realized Margaret was attempting to offer her a discreet kickback to secure the funding.
"Are you offering me a bribe, Margaret?" Evelyn asked in a clear, resonant voice that carried across the surrounding circle of dignitaries.
Margaret gasped, her breath catching in her throat as people turned to stare at her in shock.
"No! Of course not! I was merely—" Margaret stammered, sweating through her makeup.
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Evelyn opened the black recommendation folder held in her hands, pulling out an official sealed document.
👉 Read Part 8 to see the shocking contents of the black folder.
