Chapter 461

The moment Juliette Blackwood disappeared from view, Julian Hawthorne signaled to his assistant lingering nearby.

"Anything requiring my attention, Mr. Hawthorne?"

Julian's fingers drummed against the mahogany desk. "What's my current liquidity position?"

"Approximately one hundred million dors in liquid assets, sir. Combined with your Kingsley Industries shares and real estate holdings, total net worth stands around fifty million dors."

Julian's jaw tightened as he weighed the gamble.

This chess match demanded everything. Every last chip.

But passing meant forfeiting the opportunity of a lifetime.

"Your assessment of the real estate market's trajectory?"

The assistant blinked. "With all due respect, Mr. Hawthorne, property investments have never failed investors. The market remains the safest harbor for capital preservation."

Julian gave a slow nod.

Decades in business confirmed the assistant's analysis. Real estate promised guaranteed returns.

Why remain shackled to Kingsley Industries and Evelyn Carter's shadow when he could carve his own empire?

This project was the perfect launchpad.

"Leverage all my properties as collateral."

"Sir, that's—"

"Execute the order." Julian's voice brooked no argument.

"Yes, Mr. Hawthorne."

"Leave my Kingsley shares untouched," Julian murmured, more to himself. "They're my safety net."

After a beat, he added, "Scout the black market for private lenders. We'll bridge the gap until project returns materialize."

"Shadow lenders carry substantial risk—"

"The project's liquidity cycle is ninety days max." Julian waved dismissively. "More than sufficient."

"But—"

Every investment carried risk.

The unspoken truth hung between them. Seeing Julian's resolve, the assistant swallowed further objections.

"Understood, sir. Consider it done."

—

Evelyn Carter stretched her arms overhead as her computer screen dimmed. Finally, freedom.

She nearly collided with Maxwell Donovan in the hallway.

"Leaving already, Ms. Carter?"

"Retail therapy," she quipped, sidestepping him.

"Allow me to—"

"Thanks, but I prefer shopping alone." Evelyn was already halfway to the elevators.

The luxury mall's marble floors gleamed as she selected premium ingredients and carefully curated gifts. Her trunk soon overflowed with packages.

The drive to Sterling Manor passed in a blur of golden hour light.

—

Margaret Winslow had mobilized the entire household since noon.

"Every surface must shine!" she'd ordered, personally approving the menu of Evelyn's favorite dishes.

Now she paced the grand portico, eyes scanning the driveway.

When Evelyn's car finally appeared, Margaret's face lit up like sunrise.

"She's here!"

"Madam, please mind your—"

Margaret was already hurrying down the steps, silk shawl fluttering behind her.

Evelyn had just opened her car door when another vehicle rolled through the gates.

Her smile froze.