Chapter 441

Adrian Castillo took a deep breath, forcing down his fury as he tucked away Evelyn's gun, his lips curling in disgust as he muttered about Julian Whitmore. "That lovesick idiot is utterly useless. We've seen what this weapon can do, yet he let her bring it in. Pathetic."

Turning sharply, Adrian strode away, his voice cutting through the tension. "Dispose of these bodies and lock the women in separate rooms."

His next words carried a deadly warning. "Anyone who lays a finger on them loses more than just their job. Understood?"

"Yes, Mr. Castillo," his men responded in unison.

Within moments, burly guards were escorting Evelyn from the chamber.

As Adrian's figure disappeared down the corridor, Evelyn's desperate cries echoed off the walls. "Please, get medical help for Rosalind! She's suffering internal injuries! Someone help her!"

Her pleas fell on deaf ears as Adrian continued walking without hesitation.

Separated from Rosalind again, Evelyn pounded on her locked door, voice breaking. "Can't you hear me? She needs a doctor! Please, just get her some medication!"

In the adjacent room, Rosalind's tear-filled eyes shone with quiet strength, a soft smile touching her lips as she whispered, "Evelyn... I'll be fine."

Night fell.

Exhausted and starving, Evelyn tossed restlessly in bed, her mind racing with worry for Archibald, Margaret, Rosalind, Liam, and Isabella.

A deafening thunderclap shattered the silence.

Evelyn screamed, instinctively covering her ears and curling into a fetal position.

Even with her memories restored, thunderstorms still paralyzed her with terror. The night her parents died had been stormy, and the sensation of drowning still haunted her, making each thunderclap feel like reliving that trauma.

Lightning flashed outside as rain hammered the windows. Evelyn burrowed deeper under the blankets, pulling them tightly around her shaking form.

After what felt like hours, the storm began to subside, the rain softening to a gentle patter.

Then - a faint thud at the door.

Peering out from her cocoon, Evelyn found the room plunged into complete darkness. The storm must have knocked out the power.

The unnatural silence that followed set her nerves on edge. Something felt terribly wrong.

Steeling herself, she threw off the covers and crept toward the door, hands outstretched in the darkness.

Her trembling fingers found the lock. The door creaked open slightly.

Suddenly, a powerful force shoved against it, sending Evelyn stumbling backward.

Before she could react, a muscular figure surged forward, one arm encircling her waist while a large hand clamped over her mouth, quietly shutting the door behind them.

Pinned against the wall, Evelyn's heart pounded as she strained to see her captor's face in the darkness.

The man radiated strength and danger, his grip unyielding.

Evelyn struggled futilely against his hold, muffled protests dying in her throat.

Then warm breath brushed her ear as a familiar voice whispered, "Chubs, it's me."

That voice - deep and reassuring - instantly calmed the storm inside her.

Liam. He'd come for her. Not with his usual bold approach, but slipping in like a shadow.

His next words came in that same quiet tone. "The storm provided perfect cover."