Chapter 305

Julian and Harrison exchanged silent glances as they moved toward her.

"Get in the car," Julian commanded simply.

Evelyn slid into the backseat without protest. As the vehicle pulled away, she pressed her forehead against the cool glass window.

An overwhelming melancholy settled in her chest.

Five years. Five long years she'd wasted pining for Nathan Sterling. The prime years of her life, gone like smoke.

Yet Evelyn had made peace with it. She'd given everything - her passion, her recklessness, her very soul. The bitter ending couldn't erase that.

"Where are they?" she suddenly asked, breaking the heavy silence.

Julian cleared his throat. "Why bother? Dominic's handling it. Stay out of this."

"I need to see them." Her voice left no room for argument.

Harrison sighed. "Dominic has them secured. You'll need his approval."

Evelyn reached for her phone, but Julian intercepted her hand. "Damn it, Evie. Always so stubborn." He turned to the driver. "Take us there."

The car swerved onto a bumpy backroad leading out of Dunhill. The terrain grew rougher, the asphalt giving way to dirt paths winding through hills.

After thirty bone-jarring minutes, they arrived at a secluded village compound.

Two squads of armed guards snapped to attention. "Ms. Carter."

"Take me to them," Evelyn ordered.

The guards led them down a dim corridor. The air grew thick with the metallic tang of blood and the sickening crack of leather against flesh.

"Inside, ma'am."

The door creaked open, revealing a nightmare scene. Four broken men hung from chains, their faces swollen beyond recognition. Their eyes widened in terror at Evelyn's approach.

She signaled for the torturer to cease. "Who sent you?" she demanded.

Only muffled groans answered.

Harrison explained, "They took a muting agent when we captured them. Can't speak a word."

Evelyn's jaw tightened. These snakes were more cunning than she'd anticipated.

"Then write it." She motioned for their release and shoved paper and pens at them. "Name your employer, and you walk out alive. Refuse..." She let the threat hang.

The men trembled violently. After an eternity, one scrawled something and handed it over.

Evelyn's blood ran cold as she read the message.