Chapter 186

Liam remained silent in response to Adrian's question. His fingers tapped rhythmically against the car window before he finally spoke. "Dig deeper into her parents' supposed death."

His voice dropped an octave. "Without cremation records, there's a chance they're still breathing."

"Should we continue investigating Ms. Wright as well?" Ryan inquired.

"Keep all lines of inquiry open," Liam commanded.

"Understood, sir!" Ryan responded with military precision.

Liam's piercing gaze shifted. "Where's that research paper she published?"

Ryan swiftly retrieved his phone, pulling up the document with practiced efficiency before handing it over.

The screen illuminated Liam's sharp features as he scanned the complex text. His brows furrowed in deepening confusion.

"Core Analysis and Research on Derivative Nanotechnology of Copper, Iron, Steel and Cyanide in Redox Reactions."

The technical jargon continued with "Synthesis of Molecular Metal Re-Separation and Its Chemical Applications."

As he scrolled further, the formulas and diagrams might as well have been hieroglyphics. Though the content escaped his comprehension, the sophisticated chemical equations spoke volumes.

Resting his temple against two fingers, Liam massaged his forehead. "Obtain DNA samples from Evelyn and old Mr. Wright. Discreetly."

Ryan and Adrian exchanged knowing glances. They'd served under Blackwood long enough to recognize where this was heading.

"Consider it done," they chorused.

Dawn's light had barely touched the windows when Evelyn was jolted awake by her screaming phone. The sleepless night had finally granted her a few precious hours of rest just before morning.

She fumbled for the device, pressing it against her ear with sleep-heavy limbs. Eleanor Blackwood's clipped, irritated tone sliced through the haze.

"Just what fresh hell has your brother dragged us into now, Evelyn?"

Evelyn shot upright, adrenaline burning away the grogginess. "What happened, Eleanor?"

"A pack of thugs showed up at the manor at sunrise claiming your brother owes them a small fortune." Eleanor's voice crackled with barely contained fury. "They said you guaranteed his debts. Made quite the spectacle demanding payment."

Rage bleached Evelyn's complexion. She threw off the covers in one violent motion.

Frantically yanking open drawers for clothes, she spat, "No one in this family would vouch for him. Call the authorities if they return. I'm on my way."

Eleanor's sigh carried through the line. "Don't bother. It's handled."

Evelyn froze mid-motion. "Handled?"

"Paid off his debts and sent them packing." The words dripped with disgust.

What mother-in-law would tolerate such disgrace?

Evelyn's stomach twisted with understanding. She collapsed onto the bed's edge, head bowed under the weight of shame.

"I'll repay every cent, Eleanor. Immediately."

Another sigh. "Keep your money. We're family, however briefly." The unspoken 'until the divorce' hung between them. "Just ensure this never happens again."

"Tell your brother to grow up. His recklessness shouldn't tarnish the Blackwood name."

Each word drove the knife deeper. Evelyn's nails bit into her palms as fury warred with humiliation. The apologies poured out automatically.

The signed divorce papers made them temporary family at best.

She kept apologizing.

When the call ended, her fingers flew to dial Dominic Carter.

He answered on the second ring, voice dripping with false cheer. "To what do I owe this rare pleasure, sister dear?"

Evelyn's breath came in sharp bursts as she wrestled her temper under control. "How dare you send your loan sharks to harass the Blackwoods? Have you completely lost your moral compass?"