Chapter 399

Harrison and Callum exchanged knowing glances. "Even with the most advanced plastic surgery techniques, severe burn scars can never be completely erased," Harrison stated matter-of-factly.

Evelyn nodded in agreement, her fingers tracing the edge of the medical report. She'd seen enough trauma cases to know the limitations of modern medicine.

"There's something else," she murmured, tapping a specific line in the document.

Callum leaned forward. "What is it?"

A knowing smile played on Evelyn's lips. "The blood types don't match. Juliette's university medical records show type B, but this report lists O."

Callum's eyebrows shot up. "Could be a hospital error?"

Evelyn shook her head firmly. "Too coincidental to be a mistake."

Her suspicions deepened like shadows at dusk.

"Harrison," she said slowly, "I'm beginning to think the woman we're dealing with isn't the real Juliette at all."

The stylistic differences in design had been the first red flag. Now this blood type discrepancy confirmed her theory - they were dealing with two distinct individuals.

Where was the real Juliette? And who was this imposter?

"We should investigate Juliette's past," Evelyn suggested suddenly. "Find out who her close associates were five years ago."

She suspected the car accident had been the pivotal moment when the switch occurred.

Someone was actively obstructing their investigation. An accomplice, perhaps?

What was their endgame?

Harrison gave a curt nod. "Callum, make it happen."

"On it," Callum replied before striding out of the room.

Left alone with her thoughts, Evelyn felt like she was navigating a labyrinth with no exit in sight.

Harrison moved beside her, offering a sandwich. "Eve, eat something."

She waved it away. "Not hungry."

Without another word, Harrison took her hand in his. His touch grounded her. "I've got you."

Evelyn met his steady gaze, feeling some of the tension leave her shoulders. She managed a small smile.

"I know, Harrison."

Her phone's sudden ringing made her jump. The caller ID showed Nathan Sterling's name.

"Mr. Sterling?" she answered cautiously.

Nathan had just landed in Coronia, the city's gloomy skyline matching his mood. "Evelyn, are you alright?"

The question caught her off guard. Since when did Nathan Sterling care about her wellbeing?

"Your concern is misplaced, Mr. Sterling. I'm perfectly fine."

"I'm in Coronia," he said simply.

Those three words sent her heart racing. Her fingers clenched around the phone as memories came flooding back.

How could she forget? This city held her first memories of Nathan.

"Evelyn, I need to see you," Nathan pressed.

Her response was ice. "I don't have time for this."

She was about to hang up when his next words stopped her cold. "You're investigating Juliette Blackwood."

It wasn't a question. He already knew.

Evelyn didn't bother denying it. "Always well-informed, Mr. Sterling. But this doesn't concern you."

Nathan's voice turned urgent. "That's exactly why I'm here. We need to talk about this."