Chapter 14

Victoria's voice came through the phone. "Miss, I'm at the door now."

Evelyn gave a brief acknowledgment before hanging up.

She placed the freshly bought groceries on the marble countertop.

Her throat burned with pain, and her jaw ached faintly.

Slender fingers brushed against her neck as she caught her reflection in the mirror—her gaze icy and detached.

Adrian had been ruthless. But what was a little pain?

She took a deep breath, her expression turning colder.

She had weathered countless storms over the years. She had even tasted love.

From now on, men could stay far away. Nothing would stand in her path to becoming a billionaire.

Half a glass of warm water soothed the hollow ache in her chest.

She had thought her heart wouldn't hurt anymore. Yet the pain still cut deep.

With practiced efficiency, Evelyn sorted the groceries into the fridge and began braising the beef.

Moments later, Victoria walked in.

Everyone around Evelyn had been meticulously selected.

The women were stunningly beautiful, the men tall and striking.

Superior genes, exceptional skills.

These were the elites she had trained since childhood.

At twenty-four, Victoria stood at five-foot-eight, her oval face framed by expressive eyes.

Full lips, pearly teeth, and an aura of cool elegance—she exuded the confidence of a queen.

Evelyn, in contrast, was more reserved, her thoughts as deep and unfathomable as the ocean.

She cherished solitude and trusted few.

Apart from the companions who had grown up with her, she showed no mercy to her enemies.

Their eyes met, and Victoria immediately spotted the bruise on Evelyn's neck.

"Miss, what happened to your neck?" Victoria's voice simmered with suppressed anger.

Evelyn's lips curved slightly. "It's nothing. Victoria, I'm pregnant. From now on, you'll stay here to take care of me. Hire reliable cleaners and gardeners for regular upkeep. Just the two of us will live here."

Victoria's gaze dropped to Evelyn's flat stomach in shock.

"Miss, did someone hurt you? Tell me who it was. We'll make them pay." Her gentle tone was laced with concern.

For the first time, a faint smile touched Evelyn's lips. "Let the past stay in the past. The pregnancy must remain a secret. When the child turns three, they'll be sent to the training camp."

Victoria understood immediately.

"Welcome back, Miss. We've been waiting for you." A genuine smile spread across Victoria's face.

Warmth seeped into Evelyn's frozen heart. "I'm going to rest. Call me when the beef is ready."

Victoria carefully escorted her upstairs, tucked her in, and turned on the humidifier before leaving.

Pregnancy made Evelyn unusually drowsy.

She slept straight through until dawn.

Hunger finally woke her.

By the time she freshened up and went downstairs, Victoria had breakfast ready.

"You were sleeping so soundly, I didn't want to wake you last night." Victoria, dressed in professional attire, smiled warmly.

Evelyn nodded, remembering the years she had spent waking up early to prepare breakfast for Adrian.

Back then, she had done it willingly—out of love.

Now, the thought only made her scoff.

She motioned for Victoria to join her at the table.

After breakfast, Evelyn got down to business. "You and Zachary will be my covert operatives. Investigate Alexander's case. The Renaissance Masterpiece appearing here means the mastermind will make a move soon. Stay alert."

"Sophia and Nathan will be my public assistants."

Victoria approved of the arrangement. Sophia was eloquent, and Nathan was a top-tier hacker.

"No objections here." Victoria grinned.

Evelyn was about to speak when her phone rang.

The caller ID made her expression darken instantly.