Chapter 46

Ryan Sullivan stood in Liam Blackwood's office, presenting his findings from the investigation.

"Mr. Blackwood, the account used by Isabella Grayson was registered under a public orphanage in Solterra."

"All donations and subscription revenue from her streams are deposited directly into this orphanage's bank account. However, the director confirmed she's never met Isabella in person."

"The art sales channel is equally unusual. She auctions paintings exclusively online."

"Every payment account traces back to different orphanages and charities across the country. Not a single penny has been touched by her."

"Isabella operates completely alone - no company, no team. During streams, she never speaks. Just paints."

"Her account went dark three years ago. Vanished without a trace."

Liam leaned back, eyes closed, fingers steepled. Ryan's report made him think of Evelyn Carter.

Who would have guessed such an ordinary florist hid such mysteries?

"Prepare the car," Liam finally said, his deep voice resonating.

"Where to, sir?" Ryan inquired.

A pause. Then, with unexpected softness: "I'm paying Evelyn a visit."

Twilight had faded from Varia Avenue when the black sedan pulled up. Streetlights cast golden pools on the pavement as pedestrian traffic swelled.

Evelyn had transformed her usual flower stall into something enchanting. Fairy lights twined through fresh greenery, creating a magical glow around her blooms.

The occasional customer paused to admire her arrangements.

"Long time no see, sis."

Evelyn's hands froze mid-arrangement at the familiar voice. Slowly, she set down the peonies and reached for her pruning shears instead.

Dominic Carter took an instinctive step back when he saw the glint of steel, though his smirk remained cocky. "Still holding a grudge? You already broke my leg last time. I still limp, you know."

Evelyn's expression didn't soften. "What do you want?"

"Mom's sick. She needs—"

"Already called me," Evelyn cut him off sharply. "I know it's another scam. I'll help her because she's my mother. But you? Not a cent."

Dominic's jaw tightened. "Come on, we're family!"

He forced a laugh. "I messed up bad this time, Evie. Your little shop seems to be doing well. Just help me out once more?"

Evelyn exhaled slowly, gripping the shears tighter as she stepped forward. Dominic retreated hastily.

"Being siblings doesn't mean I'm your personal ATM," she said coldly. "If you want forgiveness, turn yourself in for what you did to me. That's the only way."

Dominic scoffed. "You think I'm stupid enough to go to jail?"

Evelyn mirrored his cold laugh. "And you think I'm stupid enough to help my abuser?"

When words failed, Dominic switched tactics. "Fine. No money? Then no business!" He spread his arms dramatically. "I'll stand here all night scaring customers away. Let's see who dares buy from you!"

Evelyn wondered if madness ran in the Carter blood. Her mother's constant fake illnesses. Her father's drunken tirades. And Dominic - the worst of them all.

After trying to sell her to traffickers, he still had the gall to demand money.

Done arguing, Evelyn pulled out her phone.

Dominic chuckled. "Calling the cops? They won't bother with this."

Evelyn ignored him, dialing calmly. "Mr. Reeves? Dominic Carter owes you money, correct? He's at Varia Avenue now. I'll text you the location."