Chapter 457

The bomb squad specialist's voice sliced through the charged air, grim and unyielding. "This is a remote detonation device. Approaching it means certain death."

Yet Evelyn's determination didn't waver. "They won't hurt me. If I'm present, they wouldn't dare activate it."

"Show me how to disable it. Let me try."

The specialist's patience snapped. "You're throwing your life away for nothing. Remove her immediately!" he ordered sharply.

Evelyn clutched the specialist's arm desperately, her grip iron-strong. "Let me go up there. I'm Cassandra Wright. They won't harm me. Please, teach me how to disarm it. Trust me!" Though he understood her desperation to save Margaret, the specialist couldn't fathom her willingness to walk into danger. "Your identity means nothing here. Evacuate the blast zone now."

Suddenly, Margaret's frail voice carried from above, calling, "Cassie, my Cassie..."

Evelyn's tear-filled eyes shot upward. She blinked rapidly, wiping her cheeks with trembling fingers before forcing a smile.

"Grandmother, stay calm! I'm coming for you. You'll be safe soon!"

Margaret's gentle smile was visible even from below. "Cassie darling, you know how much I love you, don't you?"

Evelyn nodded through fresh tears. "I do, Grandmother. Save these words for later. We'll talk properly at home, yes?"

Margaret's voice rang clear again, "Cassie, I've seen your parents and little brother already. I have no regrets now. From heaven, I'll watch over you all, keeping you safe." Evelyn's heart shattered with each painful beat. Her voice broke as she cried, "Grandmother, where are they? And Grandfather?"

"They're held in a basement. The location... I couldn't see much through the window."

Seeing Margaret's fragile form, Evelyn dropped to her knees before the specialist. "Please! Let me go up! Whether it's Obsidian Circle or Julian, they won't harm me. I can save her!"

The specialist signaled nearby officers. Immediately, two policemen seized Evelyn's arms to escort her away.

Margaret watched with bittersweet affection, tears streaming down her weathered face. "Cassie, never forget me! I love you beyond measure!"

Restrained by the officers, Evelyn couldn't turn back for a final look.

Once beyond the perimeter, Rosalind rushed to her side, breathless. "Evelyn, don't be reckless, just wait—"

Before she could finish, a deafening explosion tore through the morning air, shaking the ground violently. The shockwave sent everyone diving for cover.

Rosalind lunged forward, wrapping Evelyn in a protective embrace.

Evelyn stood frozen, her entire being numb with shock. It felt as though part of her soul had been obliterated with Margaret.

She remained rigid in Rosalind's arms as dust and debris rained around them.

Rosalind peered toward the explosion's epicenter. Through the swirling smoke and harsh sunlight, Margaret's form seemed to dissolve like autumn leaves scattering in the wind.

Tears welled in Rosalind's eyes but she blinked them back fiercely. She had to remain strong for Evelyn now.

Evelyn's entire body began trembling violently, her tears falling like a storm. The pain in her chest was so acute she could barely breathe.

She fought against Rosalind's hold, desperate to see. But Rosalind held firm, her voice cracking, "Evelyn, don't look!"

Sobbing uncontrollably, Evelyn pleaded, "It's not her, right? The explosion missed her. Let me see—"

Rosalind cradled Evelyn's face, preventing her from turning. "Don't look, darling. Please don't look."