Chapter 221

Evelyn's voice turned icy. "Now or never. I'm busy tonight."

She had to be with her children. Every spare moment was dedicated to them.

At three years old, they would begin training.

She knew its brutality firsthand.

"Miss Roland, thank you! I'll wait at Palais de Beauté. Your identity stays secret."

Evelyn trusted his discretion.

"Forty minutes." She hung up as Zachary pulled up in the car.

She slid into the passenger seat.

"Palais de Beauté."

Nearby, Vincent Ashcroft watched Evelyn enter the luxury vehicle.

He decided to follow. Sebastian Cortez was his target.

Vincent had long resented Sebastian for cutting ties with the Ashcrofts.

Overseas, he'd ignored domestic affairs.

By the time he returned, the deal was dead.

An apology might salvage it—and the Ashcroft fortune.

Vincent clenched his jaw. Poverty had forced him to grow up overnight.

Forty minutes later, the car halted before ornate gates.

"Palais de Beauté" gleamed in gold leaf above the entrance.

Evelyn stepped out, gazing at the plaque with mixed emotions.

Her grandfather had built this for his mistress.

After her departure, it became a memorial.

Now it belonged to Evelyn.

The front housed a club and ballroom. The main palace lay a kilometer beyond.

Zachary grinned. "Boss, why are we here?"

He adored this place.

"When do we move in?"

Evelyn chuckled. "After Grandpa passes. And when the kids are older. This is retirement territory. The guesthouse is yours if you marry."

"You're the best! We'll follow you forever!"

They'd grown up under her wing.

Evelyn teased, "Find a wife first."

Zachary scratched his head. "Not happening yet."

No one had caught his eye.

"Let's go." Evelyn strode forward.

Vincent trailed discreetly.

The concierge stopped him. "Membership card, sir?"

Vincent produced a gold card.

The attendant smiled. "Mr. Ashcroft, your father is already inside."