Chapter 63

Isabella's smile froze on her face.

"No surveillance footage?" Her voice rose sharply.

She snatched the cash back from the manager's hand.

"You dare take money without proof?" She sneered.

The manager's expression darkened.

He'd thought her an easy mark, but she was nitpicking over every penny.

With a contemptuous glance, he turned and walked away.

Isabella stomped her foot in frustration.

Her carefully laid plans had crumbled to dust.

She bit her lower lip so hard it nearly bled.

She'd imagined presenting her triumph to Mr. Lowell.

When Mrs. Valentine mentioned a celebration banquet, she'd eagerly agreed.

The prospect of Chairman Lowell attending had thrilled her beyond measure.

But now...

Evelyn's phone was gone!

Fuming, she stormed off, oblivious to Sophia watching from the shadows.

Inside her car, Isabella dialed Adrian's number.

"Yes." His cool voice answered.

That voice alone lifted her spirits instantly.

"Adrian..." She cooed. "The evidence is gone. Evelyn lost her phone."

"I'll handle it." Adrian replied curtly.

The call ended abruptly.

Isabella pouted.

But knowing Adrian would fix everything reassured her.

"Take me to the spa." She ordered the driver.

Evelyn sat waiting at the restaurant for Sophia.

Her laptop screen glowed brightly.

She was clearing her backlog of emails.

Returning to the company meant reviving shelved projects.

But securing raw material supplies was the priority.

She focused intently on equipment simulations.

Once. Twice...

On the fifth attempt, a success notification flashed onscreen.

"I did it!" She slammed the table excitedly.

She quickly saved and encrypted the video file.

With trembling fingers, she called Sebastian.

"Evelyn, I'm in a meeting." Her brother's voice remained gentle.

"Sebastian! I succeeded!" Her voice choked with emotion.

Three years of effort had finally borne fruit.

A brief silence followed.

"I always knew you could." Pride colored Sebastian's words.

"Of course." She laughed through tears.

"If only Alexander..." Her voice caught.

"Evelyn..." Sebastian hesitated.

"I have to go." She ended the call hastily.

Tears blurred her vision.

That tender voice echoed in her memory:

"Evelyn, don't fear the dark."

"Evelyn, I'm here."

She drew a deep breath and wiped her tears.

Vincent would likely make his move soon.

Within three days, he'd surely contact her.