Chapter 344

Evelyn couldn't contain her excitement as she dashed toward Leonard. "Grandfather, I'm home."

Leonard studied Evelyn clutching his arm, his expression stern. "Tonight was extremely perilous, yet you chose to involve yourself?"

His voice carried undisguised concern. "Those traffickers are ruthless criminals who value money over lives. What if something terrible had happened to you?"

Evelyn squeezed his hand reassuringly. "I'm perfectly fine, Grandfather. I apologize for causing you distress."

Leonard huffed. "This must never happen again. I'm increasing your security detail immediately. We can't risk another incident like this."

Evelyn nodded vigorously. "Understood completely."

As they spoke, Leonard's gaze shifted to Dominic standing nearby. "Report. What's the status on those traffickers?"

Dominic responded crisply, "Police apprehended several accomplices, but the ringleader Damian Castillo escaped. No current leads."

Leonard's face darkened with anger. "Unacceptable negligence! Letting the mastermind slip away after such a major operation? This makes retaliation highly probable."

He paused meaningfully, exchanging a knowing look with Dominic who immediately added, "Rest assured, Grandfather. Our intelligence network is actively tracking him. The moment we locate him, we'll deliver him to authorities."

Leonard's expression softened slightly. He patted Evelyn's hand. "You must exercise extreme caution during this period, my dear. Don't give anyone opportunity to harm you."

Evelyn nodded solemnly. "I will, Grandfather."

Changing subjects abruptly, Leonard inquired, "Was that young Prescott heir who brought you home?"

Evelyn anticipated his next words and preempted him. "Grandfather, Adrian and I are simply friends. Just friends."

Leonard's skeptical look spoke volumes.

With decades of life experience, he knew platonic friendships between men and women rarely existed.

Yet he refrained from pressing the matter. Matters of the heart couldn't be forced, and external interference often backfired.

"Very well, handle your own affairs then."

Evelyn adopted an earnest expression. "I will, Grandfather. Please don't worry about me. It's late - let me help you upstairs."

"You're always so considerate. If only you could remain by my side permanently."

Evelyn's lips curved into a bright smile. "Once I fulfill my one-year commitment, I'll return to Frenda and stay with you daily."

"See that you keep your word."

Evelyn chuckled. "When have I ever broken a promise?"

Watching their heartwarming interaction, Dominic smiled faintly until his phone buzzed with an alert.

Glancing at the screen, he informed the butler, "I have urgent business. No need to keep lights on for me tonight."

"Yes, Mr. Kingsley."

Upstairs, Evelyn had just settled Leonard in his bedroom when engine sounds echoed from outside.

Leonard grumbled irritably, "That rascal Dominic is always occupied with romantic pursuits these days, never staying home. Hiding everything from me. Why won't he bring my future granddaughter-in-law for inspection?"

Evelyn's eyes widened dramatically. "Grandfather! Dominic's in love? Since when? Is this actually happening?"