Chapter 354

Evelyn stood at the end of the hallway, her brow furrowed. She had sensed someone shadowing Julian for days.

The target was her.

Adrian's insistence that she leave suddenly made sense.

Could it be...?

She shook her head sharply.

That man felt nothing for her. Why would he care about her safety?

The door clicked open.

A masked figure emerged, gun aimed squarely between her eyes.

"Evelyn Roland. Your skills are impressive," the distorted voice rasped through a modulator. "Your moves match Phoenix Group's style."

Her gaze swept over the olive-green mask covering all but those cold, calculating eyes.

"If you want me, why involve Julian?"

"You're both targets." A humorless laugh. "Using the Roscentes to eliminate you was clever. Pity it failed."

Her slender frame blended into the shadows. "Who sent you?"

"Do I look like a snitch?"

"Pride makes men careless with secrets." Her tone was deceptively light.

Surprise flickered in those eyes before hardening. "Curiosity kills."

Her lips curved. "Heard that before."

A beat. Then—

"Let's talk."

The gunman hesitated. Despite his wariness, human contact was a rare luxury.

"Lower your weapon."

"Scared?"

"Concerned you won't escape after firing."

A scoff. "Cameras are disabled."

Her assessing gaze traced his physique. "Your build... Have we met?"

"Country girls don't fight like you."

Silence. Her mind raced through memories.

"Vincent Langley's man."

His pupils dilated. "Smart mouths get silenced."

The barrel shifted to her heart.

Evelyn's eyes turned lethal. "Those who try to kill me end up dead."

The gunman faltered. His finger spasmed on the trigger.

The shot echoed through the corridor.