Chapter 458

"Is Grandma alright? Please tell me she's alive!" Evelyn's anguished scream shattered the tense silence. Her knees gave way as her world collapsed around her.

Rosalind moved swiftly, catching Evelyn before she hit the ground. They sank to their knees together, clinging to each other like survivors of a shipwreck.

Evelyn's entire body shook with violent sobs. The pain was unbearable - watching Margaret slip away right before her eyes, powerless to stop it.

From childhood memories to this devastating moment, Margaret had been her anchor, her source of unconditional love. Now only emptiness remained where that warmth had been.

Her fingers twisted the fabric of her blouse into knots over her heart, as if she could physically contain the agony tearing her apart. But the pain only grew sharper with each shallow breath.

The crushing regret of never getting to properly meet her grandmother dragged Evelyn into darkness. She collapsed into Rosalind's arms.

When consciousness returned, dawn light filtered through the curtains.

Rosalind hadn't moved from her bedside vigil. Seeing Evelyn stir, she gently brushed hair from her forehead. "You're awake. Can I get you anything? Some water perhaps?"

Evelyn stared blankly at the ceiling, her face a mask of grief though her tears had dried.

"Liam came by last night," Rosalind continued softly. "He was here again this morning but had to leave."

Evelyn turned slowly, her eyes glistening. "Did he say anything?"

"Julian's been declared an international fugitive," Rosalind answered.

Evelyn closed her eyes in silent acknowledgment.

"Don't blame Liam for not staying," Rosalind added gently. "He's dealing with his own battles."

Evelyn shook her head. Despite Liam's decision to keep his distance, his two visits spoke volumes about his lingering concern.

Rosalind hesitated before continuing. "According to Ryan, the prison transport carrying Adrian was ambushed yesterday. There was a shootout on the highway - two officers died in the explosion."

Evelyn drew a sharp breath. "They're monsters."

Rosalind's expression darkened. "There's more."

Evelyn's gaze snapped to her. "What?"

"After you fainted, Julian called. He demanded you contact him when you woke up."

Evelyn's face hardened. She pushed herself upright and reached for her phone.

Rosalind retrieved it, found the call log, and placed the device in Evelyn's trembling hands.

Evelyn activated speakerphone. After several rings, Julian's voice crackled through. "Cassandra, feeling better?"

Even through the static, Evelyn's hatred burned white-hot.

She swallowed her tears, voice razor-sharp. "They raised you, loved you, gave you everything. And you murdered them."

"Calling you ungrateful would be too kind. You're not even human."

Julian chuckled darkly. "First time venting your rage? I'm flattered."

"Where are they?" Evelyn demanded.

"Safe. For now," came the icy reply.

"Release them and I'll give you whatever you want - even my life."

"Ah, but your brilliant mind is too valuable," Julian mocked. "Though I can't risk bringing you to our facility."

"What do you want then?"

"Margaret was merely a warning," Julian explained. "Liam froze the Wright family assets. Now I need you to unfreeze them."