Chapter 384

Juliette's mocking laughter echoed through the phone. "Evelyn, you're truly overestimating yourself."

The line went dead with a sharp click.

Evelyn's fingers tightened around her phone as the dial tone buzzed in her ear. Her darkening eyes reflected the storm brewing within her.

After a steadying breath, she dialed another number.

"Elliot, do you have a moment?"

For a heartbeat, Elliot thought he'd misheard. He double-checked the caller ID before responding with playful sarcasm. "Evie! To what do I owe this rare honor?"

She huffed in annoyance. "Don't be ridiculous, Elliot!"

His tone shifted to concern. "Alright, what's going on?"

A sly smile curved her lips. "I need a small favor."

"Let's hear it."

"Can you access the database system at Coronia University?"

The line erupted with choking sounds as Elliot nearly inhaled his coffee.

When he recovered, his voice held disbelief. "Evie, are you seriously asking me to hack into a university system?"

"I just need to verify if someone tampered with records."

Evelyn suspected Juliette's hand in manipulating academic records and wanted Elliot's expertise to confirm.

"Let me be clear. The academic records system is a federal-level database with military-grade security. Even elite hackers get caught trying. I couldn't guarantee my own safety attempting it."

Evelyn's brow furrowed at this dead end.

"However..." Elliot's voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper. "There is one person who could."

Her pulse quickened. "Who? Tell me!"

Elliot's tone became reverent. "My personal legend - ShadowStrike. His skills are beyond human comprehension."

"He's held the top spot on the global hacker rankings for seven years straight. The man's a living myth!"

With wistful admiration, he added, "If I could just witness ShadowStrike's work firsthand, I could die a happy man."

"Elliot, please contact him for me. Money is no object."

A defeated sigh. "It's not about money! Someone like ShadowStrike probably swims in cryptocurrency."

Evelyn bit back her frustration.

"The problem is he's been off-grid for months. Finding him would be like tracking a ghost."

Hope drained from Evelyn's voice. "So it's impossible?"

Elliot hesitated, unaccustomed to hearing such defeat in his sister's voice. "Evie, why do you need this?"

She hesitated before explaining the situation.

"Elliot, if I can't prove this soon, I—"

Before she could finish, Elliot exploded. "This is unacceptable! Do they think the Kingsleys are pushovers? How dare she mess with our family!"

"Evie, don't worry. I'll handle this myself!"

"No, Elliot, you can't—"

He cut her off mid-protest. Despite the cybersecurity risks, determination steeled his voice. "Give me thirty minutes. I'll get you answers."

The line went dead before she could argue further.