Chapter 496

Evelyn blinked her bleary eyes open.

Two little ones slept soundly beside her, their cheeks rosy.

She slipped out of bed quietly and grabbed her phone before retreating to the bathroom.

"Cassandra Valentine" flashed on the screen.

"Hello?"

"Evelyn!" The voice on the other end was frantic. "Isabella's gone completely mad—she's plotting to kill you! I just received an anonymous recording of her threats."

Cassandra's voice trembled.

She'd discovered the late-night audio file while preparing meeting materials. Isabella's icy tone had jolted her awake.

Evelyn leaned against the bathroom doorframe. "I'm fine. You're the one who needs to be careful. Since she failed with me, you'll be her next target."

"Should I take this recording to the police?" Cassandra hissed.

Evelyn massaged her temples.

Since when did this business tycoon become so naive?

"Pointless. Last time we had video evidence and it still didn't stop her. This is just audio."

She paused. "I suspect Isabella has schizophrenia."

"What?" Cassandra gasped.

"An angel when calm, a demon when enraged." Evelyn lowered her voice. "Stay far away from her."

Silence stretched for several seconds.

"So... whoever sent this recording wants us to destroy each other?"

A faint smile touched Evelyn's lips. "Finally catching on."

Cassandra exhaled sharply.

"Fine, I'll be careful. Dinner tonight? My treat."

Hanging up, Evelyn was fully awake now.

She washed up quickly and tiptoed downstairs.

In the kitchen, Victoria was preparing breakfast in her floral apron.

"Evelyn? You're up early." She looked surprised.

Evelyn stretched her wrists. "Couldn't sleep. Going for a run."

Instead of her usual garden workout, she jogged straight past the gated community.

Her silhouette gradually disappeared along the riverbank in the morning light.