Chapter 423

Maxwell Donovan's expression darkened at the question. "Ms. Carter, the incident at the Dunhill mine is highly suspicious. While there were no injuries, it's significantly delayed our project timeline."

Evelyn's fingers tapped rhythmically against her desk. "Accident or sabotage?"

Maxwell met her gaze steadily. "The evidence points toward deliberate action."

A cold smile touched Evelyn's lips as she processed this revelation. "Someone's getting impatient."

Her eyes flickered with calculation. "Any connection to them?"

"The investigation is ongoing," Maxwell replied. "You'll be the first to know when we have concrete answers."

With a dismissive wave, Evelyn signaled the end of their meeting.

Alone in her office, she moved to the floor-to-ceiling windows. The sprawling cityscape below seemed to mirror the complexity of her thoughts.

The sudden ringing of her phone shattered the silence.

"Evelyn, we need to talk." Juliette Blackwood's voice carried an unmistakable edge.

Evelyn's grip tightened imperceptibly on her phone. "What could we possibly have to discuss, Ms. Blackwood?"

"Meet me and find out. Unless you're afraid?"

Ice crept into Evelyn's tone. "Petty taunts won't work on me, Juliette."

A humorless laugh crackled through the line. "Enough games. If you don't come, you'll regret it."

The line went dead before Evelyn could respond. Moments later, her phone pinged with a location - a café across from Kingsley Industries.

Thirty minutes later, Evelyn entered the designated café where Juliette waited with predatory patience.

"You came after all, Ms. Carter," Juliette said, rising with false courtesy.

Evelyn's smile held no warmth. "Ms. Blackwood - no, perhaps I should address you differently now."

Juliette merely arched a brow, neither confirming nor denying.

"Let's be frank," Juliette said abruptly. "You've clearly deduced my true identity. There's no point in pretense."

She leaned forward, eyes burning with intensity. "I'm Isabella's older sister. The long-lost Delaney heiress - Diana Delaney."

Evelyn showed no surprise at the confession.

"Then tell me, Ms. Delaney, what's the purpose of this meeting?"

"No pleasantries then. I want to know where my sister is. What have you done with Isabella?"

Evelyn's expression remained impassive. "You're asking the wrong person. I have no knowledge of Isabella's whereabouts."

Diana's spoon clattered against her saucer. "Don't lie to me! After everything Isabella did to you, you'd never let her walk away unscathed."

Her voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. "Release her, and I might show mercy. Continue this charade, and I'll make you suffer."

Evelyn remained unmoved by the threats. "Your vendetta means nothing to me."

She tilted her head slightly. "Though I should mention - Isabella currently faces multiple felony charges. Even if she returned to Pamore, prison would be her only destination."

Diana's hands clenched into white-knuckled fists. "You expect me to believe that?"