Chapter 409

As Callum Blackwood finished speaking, he gave them a casual wave. Evelyn Carter sighed dramatically, spreading her hands. "Harrison, is he actually interested in my friends?"

Harrison Whitmore arched one perfect eyebrow. "Take a wild guess. Who do you think it would be?"

Evelyn shook her head, sending her chestnut waves dancing. "I'm terrible at these games. But love works in mysterious ways, doesn't it? Let him figure it out himself."

A fond smile played on Harrison's lips. "As you wish, darling."

Their private jet soared through Coronia's skies, cutting through clouds until landing smoothly at the private helipad in Pamore hours later. Night had fallen, painting the city in twinkling lights.

Olivia Sinclair and Natalie Reeves had been pacing impatiently. The moment Evelyn appeared, Olivia launched herself forward. "Evie! Finally!" Her arms wrapped tightly around her best friend.

Evelyn laughed, patting Olivia's back. "Breathe, Liv! I told you I'd return victorious." She winked. "And with treasures."

Olivia pulled back instantly. "The designs? You found them?"

With a dramatic flourish, Evelyn produced a thick folder, handing it to Natalie. "Your turn to work magic, Nat."

Natalie's eyes sparkled with mischief as she accepted the documents. "Child's play. Just say when you want this bomb to detonate."

"Jessica - I mean, Juliette expects me at 10 AM. Let's make it 10:30 for maximum impact."

Natalie gave a sharp salute. "Consider it done. The internet won't know what hit it."

Evelyn locked eyes with Harrison, an unspoken understanding passing between them. Tomorrow would be war.

Dawn broke over Pamore's skyline as Evelyn and Harrison arrived at the imposing Pamore Pentagon precisely at 10 AM.

"Where's Ms. Blackwood?" Evelyn asked the stone-faced guard.

The man merely nodded before swinging open the heavy oak doors to reveal an office dripping in ostentatious wealth - all gold accents and modern art that screamed expensive.

Juliette Blackwood swiveled slowly in her leather throne, crimson lips curling. "Punctual as always, Ms. Carter." She rose, circling Evelyn like a shark. "But where's my money? One billion dollars doesn't exactly fit in a purse."

Evelyn remained unshaken, meeting Juliette's gaze head-on. "Patience, Ms. Blackwood. A billion dollars doesn't disappear that easily."

Juliette's laugh was sharp as broken glass. "Cash would've been more impressive. I do love a good money pile."

"You seem awfully fixated on cash," Evelyn countered smoothly. "Strange for someone who clearly doesn't need it."

"Enough games!" Juliette snapped. "Show me the money or this meeting is over."

Evelyn's hand slipped into her blazer pocket. "Before we discuss money, there's something you should see."

A flicker of unease crossed Juliette's face. "What trick are you pulling now?"

Slowly, Evelyn withdrew a worn sketchbook. "Just some light reading material."

Juliette's perfectly sculpted brows furrowed. "What is this supposed to be?" Her fingers twitched, betraying nerves she'd never admit to.

The game was on.