Chapter 306

The crumpled note in Evelyn's hand read: "You'll get nothing from me! My life means nothing. Killing me changes nothing."

With a cold laugh, Evelyn shredded the paper between her fingers. "Playing the tough guy? You really think I won't find out?"

The men before her remained stone-faced.

Evelyn's voice cut through the tension. "Pamore. Maximilian Blackwood."

That single name shattered their composure. Nervous glances darted between them.

Evelyn's eyes narrowed to slits. "Just as I suspected."

"This has nothing to do with Maximilian!" one blurted. "We acted alone—just wanted to shut your pretty mouth."

Her lips curled in disdain.

"Pathetic," Evelyn spat, already turning away, her spine rigid with contempt. "If you insist on being worthless..."

Her voice dropped to an icy whisper. "...then I'll treat you like the trash you are."

"Yes, Ms. Carter."

As Evelyn strode toward the exit, desperate wails erupted behind her—

"Ms. Carter, have mercy!"

"We made a mistake!"

"We'll never cross you again!"

"Please, give us another chance!"

She didn't so much as glance back.

Dominic fell into step beside her, jaw tight. "Vermin. We gave them every opportunity. Now they'll learn what happens to those who betray the Kingsleys."

Evelyn halted abruptly. "That's what I don't understand." Her brow furrowed. "I've never even met Maximilian Blackwood. Why would Pamore's kingpin want me dead?"

Dominic's expression darkened.

"It's... complicated. My team's investigating. We'll have answers soon."

Evelyn gave a curt nod. "This ends when we return to Pamore."

Together, they disappeared into the night.

——

At the Grand Meridian Hotel, Geoffrey Lockhart stood waiting at the VIP elevator.

After the mining incident, he'd secured the penthouse suite and tripled security—nothing but the best for Summit Corporation's newest partner.

"Ms. Carter, anything you require, day or night, my team stands ready."

Evelyn offered a polite nod. "Your hospitality is noted, Mr. Lockhart."

"The honor is mine!"

Harrison Whitmore stepped forward. "The partnership terms with Summit are finalized. We can execute the contracts at your convenience."

Geoffrey beamed. "Mr. Whitmore, Ms. Carter—your trust humbles us. Summit will ensure this venture exceeds all expectations."

"Then it's settled." Evelyn's tone brooked no argument. "Name the date."

——

Next morning, Summit Corporation's signing ceremony made front-page news across Dunhill.

Cameras flashed as Evelyn and Geoffrey signed the historic agreement. The ballroom erupted in thunderous applause.

Across town, Donovan Prescott shattered his whiskey glass against the wall.

The television showed everything—the handshake, the champagne toast, the billion-dollar opportunity Sterling Enterprises had lost because of one miscalculation.

A knock interrupted his rage.

"Enter."

Vivienne Chambers glided in with a leather portfolio.

"Mr. Prescott? The projections for the Brisbane acquisition require your approval."