Chapter 434

"If you don't eat, I'll treat you like cattle and shove food down your throat with a tube. If you refuse to sleep, I'll drug you unconscious."

Rosalind Fairchild's voice was ice cold.

"Either way, I won't let you out of my sight. No suicide attempts. You're my golden goose for life."

Her words sent waves of fury through everyone in the vehicle.

"Cassandra, fire her!" Donovan Blackwood shouted, his face twisted in anger.

It was the first time he'd called Evelyn by her real name since the accident. Evelyn turned immediately, tears already gathering in her eyes. Though she disapproved of Rosalind's methods, they were shockingly effective.

"Donovan, I can't dismiss her. If you have issues with her, deal with it yourself," Evelyn replied, a faint smile playing on her lips despite the tension.

Donovan took a sharp breath and stopped struggling. He slumped into sullen silence. Rosalind slowly climbed off him and returned to her seat. She shot him a warning look before composing herself, her hands trembling slightly from the adrenaline. Her earlier ferocity had been pure performance.

As their car approached Wright Manor, the wrought iron gates swung open automatically. Evelyn frowned when she noticed unfamiliar guards at the entrance. The vehicle crawled along the garden path before stopping before the mansion.

"Cassandra, we're home. But something feels wrong," Rosalind Baskins murmured, voicing Evelyn's unease.

Evelyn stepped out quickly, her gaze darting to the gates. The new security guards stood with hands on their hips, staring them down with arrogant menace.

Turning toward the mansion, Evelyn spotted two hulking figures flanking the entrance. Their hands rested conspicuously near their waistbands, hinting at concealed weapons.

"Who are these people?" Nathaniel Winslow whispered nervously as he exited the car. Evelyn remained hyper-alert, shaking her head in response.

Just then, a familiar figure emerged from the doorway. Rosalind Baskins immediately moved to shield Evelyn.

"Julian?" Evelyn gasped in shock.

Julian Whitmore appeared composed, but darkness lurked behind his eyes. His smile carried a sinister edge that made Evelyn's blood run cold. "Cassandra, long time no see," he greeted.

Evelyn's chest tightened. "Where are my grandparents?" she demanded.

"They're inside. Do come in," Julian replied smoothly.

Rosalind Fairchild sensed danger. She discreetly reached for her phone to call the police.

Julian's sharp voice stopped her. "The bomb's already planted. I wouldn't advise calling the authorities." He held up a remote control with chilling confidence. "Enough explosives to reduce this place to rubble."

Rosalind swallowed hard and pocketed her phone.

Evelyn clenched her fists. "What do you want, Julian?"

Julian gestured toward the backyard. "Look there." Everyone turned to see a helicopter waiting in the distance.

"I'll be gone before the police arrive. You'll all be blown to smithereens," he stated calmly.

"Unbelievable," Rosalind Baskins muttered through gritted teeth.

"Shall we?" Julian motioned toward the house.

"I'm so sorry, Rosalind. I've dragged you and Donovan into this," Evelyn said guiltily.

"Stop blaming yourself. He's the monster here. He's the enemy now," Rosalind countered.

Despite Rosalind's reassurance, guilt weighed heavily on Evelyn.

They helped Donovan from the car into his wheelchair and pushed him toward the mansion together.

Inside the grand foyer stood a dozen intimidating men, each armed and dangerous. Their weapons glinted ominously in the light.