Chapter 414

Alistair's wrinkled hands trembled as he scrubbed the car's windshield. His once proud posture was now hunched, his aristocratic features weathered by time and hardship.

The sunlight reflected off the soapy water as Evelyn approached silently. He didn't notice her presence until her shadow fell across his work.

"Would you like a wash, ma'am?" His voice was raspy but polite.

When no answer came, Alistair lifted his weary eyes. The moment he recognized Evelyn, his entire body stiffened. The sponge slipped from his fingers with a wet slap.

"You!"

Evelyn's lips curved into a smile that never touched her cold gaze. "Mr. Delaney, it's been too long."

Alistair's jaw clenched so tightly she could hear his teeth grinding. His gnarled fingers curled into fists at his sides.

"What do you want?" he spat, venom dripping from every word.

"Just a conversation, Mr. Delaney."

A bitter laugh escaped his cracked lips. "We have nothing to discuss. Come to gloat at my misery? Look your fill then, but don't interfere with honest work."

The proud patriarch was gone, replaced by this broken shell of a man. But Evelyn saw the fire still burning behind his aged eyes - the unyielding defiance.

"Five minutes. Or shall I speak with your manager instead?"

Alistair's face twisted in rage. "What more could you possibly want, Evelyn? You've already destroyed everything! My company, my reputation - is my life not enough?"

His voice cracked. "Where is Isabella? She's the last of the Delaney blood! Are you determined to wipe my lineage from this earth?"

Evelyn's brow furrowed. "Your only granddaughter?"

Alistair suddenly clutched his chest, his face contorting in pain. His mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water, but no words came.

Within seconds, his complexion turned an alarming shade of crimson.

"Mr. Delaney?" Evelyn reached out instinctively.

He swayed dangerously, his eyes rolling back. Harrison moved like lightning, catching the collapsing man before he hit the pavement.

"Evelyn! Hospital - now!"

Her heart pounded as reality crashed over her. By the time she processed what was happening, Alistair's face had gone deathly pale.

The bodyguards sprang into action, loading the unconscious man into the waiting car with practiced efficiency.

The sterile hospital corridor smelled of antiseptic and fear. Evelyn leaned against the cold wall, staring at the glowing red "SURGERY IN PROGRESS" sign.

Harrison stood beside her, his presence steady but silent.

Minutes stretched into eternity as Evelyn's mind raced. Finally, she turned to him, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Harrison... what just happened? He'll be... he has to be okay."

"He will." Harrison's hand found hers, warm and reassuring. "Don't borrow trouble."

But the timing was too perfect. She'd come for answers about Juliette, and Alistair had collapsed the moment she mentioned bloodlines.

"Does this confirm our suspicions?" Evelyn's fingers tightened around Harrison's. "But why would he claim Isabella is the last Delaney heir?"