Chapter 316
The crowd erupted in unison, their voices thundering through the warehouse. "Boss!"
Sebastian Blackwood's face twisted in disbelief as he watched the scene unfold. His hands clenched into fists, nails digging into his palms. This couldn't be happening.
Everyone was bowing to Evelyn Carter. His future in the organization was over.
"Sebastian!" Maximilian Blackwood's voice cut through the tension like a whip. "On your knees! Beg Ms. Carter for mercy!"
Sebastian's jaw tightened. But he had no choice. With visible reluctance, he dropped to his knees.
Evelyn blinked in surprise. She hadn't expected Maximilian to hold such sway over his men. Impressive.
"Thank you," she said simply.
Maximilian barked orders, and his men formed perfect lines like soldiers.
He approached Evelyn with newfound respect. "Ms. Carter, we're at your service now. Sebastian's fate is yours to decide."
Evelyn tapped her chin thoughtfully. "I don't want his life. Just one small favor."
Sebastian exhaled in relief. Temporary reprieve.
"Ev—Ms. Carter," he corrected hastily. "Name it."
"An eye for an eye," Evelyn said coolly. "Simple, isn't it?"
Sebastian hesitated. Isabella Delaney had been his lover for years. Could he really...?
Evelyn noticed his pause. Her icy gaze pinned him in place. "Problem?"
She leaned closer, her presence overwhelming. "Or would you prefer to take her punishment yourself?"
Sebastian shuddered.
No choice at all.
Self-preservation won.
"Three days," he choked out. "You'll have what you want."
Evelyn nodded, satisfied.
As she turned to leave, Maximilian stopped her. "Ms. Carter, your orders?"
"I'll call when needed. You're in charge until then."
Maximilian bowed. "Safe travels, Ms. Carter!"
The chorus followed her out. "Safe travels, Ms. Carter!"
The deference was night and day from her arrival. Outside, Harrison Whitmore leaned against his car, arms crossed.
He pushed off the vehicle, storming toward her.
Evelyn's stomach dropped. "Harrison? What are you—"
His hand came up, ruffling her hair roughly. "Evelyn Carter," he growled. "Do you have a death wish?"
She blinked up at him.
"Maximilian Blackwood isn't some street thug. He's Pamore's most dangerous crime lord. Ruthless. Unpredictable."
Evelyn fought a smile. She'd found the man rather... puppy-like, actually.
"Harrison, look at me. I'm fine."
He exhaled sharply. His men had reported everything, but the what-ifs haunted him. What if something had gone wrong?
"Promise me," he demanded, cupping her face. "No more solo missions. You tell me first."