Chapter 842

Evelyn was slightly taken aback.

She hadn't expected Elara to actively suggest she leave.

While she was still processing this, Elara had already given her hand a gentle pat and turned to walk away.

Evelyn paced around the room.

She turned on the television and found only a handful of shows and movies available, mostly local productions. It felt deliberate, as if the Sterling Family was intentionally limiting their exposure to the outside world.

Even the news only covered local events...

But Evelyn noticed a detail—this city under the Sterling Family's control was sizable, with a population of around five million. The people seemed long accustomed to this way of life.

And the control was extremely strict.

A curfew was enforced at night, with movement only permitted during the day.

Soldiers patrolled the streets after dark. It appeared to be a modern society, yet it carried a faint whiff of... a feudal dynasty.

The Sterling Family ruled this city. The public's adoration for them bordered on blind worship. They seemed to have lost the ability for independent thought, leaving only obedience...

Strangely, however, the people in the city dressed exceptionally well. Through the TV footage, nearly everyone on the streets wore custom-made designer clothes, strolling leisurely with calm, content expressions.

Evelyn watched the news in her room all day.

In the evening, after dinner, Elara approached her. "Watched all day. Notice anything?"

Evelyn was silent for a moment before answering cautiously. "This city... is a bit odd."

Elara smiled. "Correct. The Sterling Family has substantial income, supporting everyone in this city. Children growing up here would find it blissful. They don't need to struggle desperately. Tailors visit homes monthly for custom fittings. Food rations are distributed, ensuring no one goes hungry or lacks clothing. School is completely free. Healthcare is free. Even homeless people can receive enough clothing and food to survive. Anyone who falls ill gets the best possible treatment. Everyone lives with a high quality of life..."

Evelyn stared at the TV screen, knowing Elara wasn't lying.

From the live broadcast footage, she saw smiles on every face.

Elara continued. "People here have no conflicts. They don't even chase after more money, because their housing and food are already top-tier in the world."

She gestured around. "The Sterling Family lives in villas. Ordinary citizens live in townhouses. Homeless people, as long as they apply for assistance, can queue for housing allocation..."

The more Evelyn listened, the more something felt off. "If the welfare is so good, why are there still homeless people?"

Elara paused.

Evelyn looked directly at her. "If everyone is fully provided for from birth, how can there be homelessness? Also, with the night curfew, where do these homeless people stay?"

Elara lowered her gaze. "After all these years, you're still this sharp. True. The existence of the homeless is a mystery for this city. Most of them are people who smuggled themselves in from other countries. Somehow, they learned of the Sterling Family's existence and fought desperately to enter. This is also one reason the Sterling Family's population keeps growing."

Evelyn's heart skipped a beat.

Elara's words implied—people from outside could enter here! The method of entry just wasn't clear yet!

She looked at Elara, speaking after a long moment. "There are many people watching me, right?"

Elara nodded. "Yes."

"Alright. Then I won't go out these next few days, to avoid causing you trouble."

After saying this, Evelyn turned and went upstairs.

Elara had given her another way to leave the Sterling estate, and it had opened a new line of thought for her...

Could she infiltrate the Sterling Family disguised as a homeless person?

But she needed to know the Sterling Family's exact address!

Evelyn went upstairs, closed the door, and drew the curtains tight. She carefully inspected the room once more—she had searched every corner yesterday and found no surveillance devices.

Confirming again today, there were still none.

She breathed a sigh of relief, her eyes landing on the radio in front of her.

She had noticed earlier that all signals here were internal. It seemed there were jammers blocking external signals, allowing only internal communication.

Evelyn hadn't brought any electronic devices with her. After arriving at the Sterling estate, no one gave her a phone either, probably thinking she had no one to contact...

She wondered how Alexander was doing...

As she was thinking, a kitchen maid knocked on the door. "Miss, the late-night snack is ready. Would you like some?"

Evelyn immediately sat up straight. "Come in."

The maid entered with a tray, walked over to Evelyn, and pointed to a specific pastry. "This one tastes quite good. You should try it."

Then she retreated and left.

Evelyn frowned, picked up the pastry, and broke it open—inside was a hidden note! A message from Alexander!