Chapter 317

Evelyn gave a compliant nod, her voice steady. "I've got this, Harrison. No need to worry."

"With Maximilian pledging loyalty to you now," Harrison continued, "navigating Sterling Enterprises will be significantly smoother for you."

This turn of events caught Evelyn off guard. In her mind, she'd merely acquired another reluctant subordinate.

She couldn't have known this seemingly minor decision would send shockwaves through Sterling Enterprises' underground network.

—

Isabella remained blissfully unaware of the unfolding drama.

At this very moment, she sat before the vanity in her hotel suite, meticulously applying her makeup. A self-satisfied smile curved her lips as she admired her reflection.

A sharp knock interrupted her preening. Her face lit up as she hurried to answer.

"Darling, I've been waiting—"

The door swung open to reveal Sebastian, but unlike their usual private encounters, he stood flanked by several imposing bodyguards.

Isabella's smile faltered. "Sebastian? What's with the entourage today?"

His expression remained grim. Without answering, he dismissed his men with a curt gesture before stepping inside and shutting the door behind him.

She approached him with practiced ease. "Sebastian, what's bothering you today? Let me fix that for you."

Her manicured fingers trailed down his chest, inching dangerously lower—

Until his hand clamped around her wrist, stopping her mid-motion.

"Enough. Not today."

Isabella froze. In all their years together, Sebastian had never spoken to her with such icy detachment. Forcing a smile, she tried again.

"So... about Evelyn Carter. Is she... taken care of?"

At the mention of Evelyn, Sebastian turned slowly, his gaze piercing. "What do you think?"

Missing the warning in his tone, Isabella laughed brightly. "That wretched girl finally got what she deserved! No one humiliates Isabella Delaney and—"

"Wake up," Sebastian cut in coldly. "Your fantasy ends here."

Her smile slipped. "What... what do you mean? Did something go wrong?"

Sebastian's laugh held no humor. "Of all people, Isabella, why did you have to cross Evelyn Carter? Even I underestimated her."

Regret gnawed at him now.

Why had he ever agreed to help Isabella? He'd assumed Evelyn was just another spoiled heiress. Who could have predicted Maximilian Blackwood himself would swear fealty to her? As Maximilian's subordinate, Sebastian stood no chance against Evelyn's newfound power.

Isabella's face drained of color. "She's... still alive?"

Sebastian's nod confirmed her worst fears.

She knew Evelyn. If she survived, she'd dig until she uncovered the truth. And when she did...

"Sebastian... she won't trace this back to me, will she?"

He tilted her chin up with one finger, his smile chilling. "Scared now, little dove?"

For the first time, Isabella found Sebastian's gaze unrecognizable—and terrifying.

"You'll protect me, won't you?" Her voice trembled as tears welled up. "Please, Sebastian! Don't let her get to me! I'm begging you!"