Chapter 436

Compared to Archibald's staggering 500 billion fortune, Julian's demand for 50 billion seemed almost reasonable.

"Fine, I accept," Evelyn said through gritted teeth. She gestured toward Archibald and Margaret. "But you must remove their explosives and release them first."

Julian smirked and signaled to his men. A heavily armed brute stepped forward, untying the elderly couple and carefully removing the devices strapped to their bodies.

Archibald's face had been drained of color throughout the entire ordeal. He spat out the gag and snapped, "Julian, release Cassandra immediately. Forget fifty billion - I'll transfer my entire fortune to you."

Julian shot him a venomous look. "Why didn't you offer that sooner? I'm a wanted man in Aldenria now - your wealth means nothing if I can't access it."

Archibald rose unsteadily to his feet. "Name your price. Just let everyone go unharmed."

"You've lost all bargaining power, old man," Julian sneered. "Your precious granddaughter is mine now. You'll do exactly as I say."

Margaret clutched her husband's arm with trembling fingers. "Archibald, please," she whispered urgently. "Don't provoke him. This monster won't hesitate to hurt you."

"Get this fossil a laptop for the transfer," Julian barked to his men. "And watch him closely. One wrong move - put a bullet in his head."

"Yes, sir."

The armed guards roughly escorted the elderly couple into the study, leaving the others trembling under Julian's menacing gaze.

Stretching out on the couch, Julian locked eyes with Evelyn. He gestured lazily toward the study. "That room's wired with enough explosives to level this wing. Cooperate, and maybe your grandparents survive the night."

Evelyn took a steadying breath.

She remembered Julian's reputation in medical circles. After decades studying in Solterra, his surgical skills were unparalleled. Keeping her voice level, she said softly, "Uncle Julian."

The unexpected term of endearment visibly startled him. It had been years since she'd addressed him with any familial warmth. The unfamiliarity seemed to momentarily unbalance him.

"I know you specialized in neurosurgery and acupuncture. Would you examine Donovan's condition?"

Rosalind and Victoria exchanged confused glances. They couldn't fathom why Evelyn would trust a known criminal with Donovan's care.

Julian's gaze drifted to the wheelchair-bound man. They'd grown up together, as close as brothers despite not sharing blood.

Though bitterness over Cassandra had twisted Julian's path, some remnant of that brotherly bond remained. Donovan's deteriorated condition clearly troubled him.

After a long pause, Julian approached and knelt beside the wheelchair. His fingers hovered over Donovan's atrophied legs.

Victoria moved to intervene, but Evelyn stopped her with a subtle shake of the head.

"But he's—" Victoria protested in a hushed voice.

"When it comes to medicine, he's still the best," Evelyn murmured back.

Julian conducted his examination with clinical precision while Donovan remained impassive. "You wanted to serve your country," Julian said suddenly. "How'd you end up like this?"

With a bitter chuckle, Julian countered, "And you dreamed of healing people. Look at us now."

Donovan's jaw tightened, his expression darkening.

Finished with his assessment, Julian stood. "I'll need his latest scans."

"We have them," Rosalind said quickly, darting to retrieve the medical files. Julian's armed escort followed her every move.

What had begun as a life-or-death hostage situation had somehow morphed into an impromptu medical consultation.

Amidst the terror of armed captors and ticking bombs, the room's attention had inexplicably shifted to Donovan's prognosis.