Chapter 26

A Deadly Proposal

Evelyn's brows furrowed. Despite her hatred for Dominic, murder had never crossed her mind.

Even after losing the child she once carried, she couldn't fathom such darkness.

And even if she wanted to—could she actually do it?

Julian studied her hesitation. "My uncle is away on business. Think it over." His voice dropped to a whisper. "Evelyn, if you help me eliminate Dominic, I’ll marry you immediately. Anything you desire, it’s yours. I’ve already spoken to my parents about us. They approve."

His gaze burned with sincerity.

Once, she had longed for his family’s acceptance. Back then, he had refused to acknowledge their relationship.

Now, their approval meant nothing.

"What if I fail?" Evelyn countered. "If he discovers my betrayal, do you think he’d let me live? Julian, you were a coward before, and you still are. If you want him dead, do it yourself. If you can’t stomach the consequences, then don’t stoop to this."

Julian’s face stiffened. He hadn’t expected rejection.

"It won’t fail. Poison. That’s all it takes. You slip it to him, and afterward, there’ll be no traces. My grandmother will handle the fallout, and my father will ensure everything disappears—"

"If it’s so foolproof, why not do it yourself?" Evelyn cut in. "He visits the family estate weekly. You could poison him there."

Julian faltered.

"Honestly, Julian, I don’t think you’ve suffered enough." Evelyn’s voice turned icy. "Dominic is your uncle. How can you plot against your own blood?"

"I see him as family. He doesn’t return the sentiment."

"Because you bribed his lawyer when he was ill, and he found out. That’s why he punished you." Evelyn stood. "I may despise him, but I haven’t lost my sanity."

She turned to leave.

"Evelyn, wait!" Julian grabbed her wrist. "At least stay for lunch. Even if you won’t help me, our family’s feud with Dominic is beyond repair. If I don’t strike first, he’ll crush me eventually."

Something in his tone made her pause.

"You’re serious about poisoning him?" She sat back down.

Julian exhaled. "If you refuse, I’ll find another way. Something quieter. Less detectable."

Evelyn’s eyes narrowed. "When?"

Julian hesitated. "You won’t betray me to him, will you? You wouldn’t want me dead."

"You overestimate my influence. Do you really think Dominic cares what I say?"

"Fine. I haven’t decided yet. He hasn’t returned. We’ll act once he’s back."

After lunch, Julian’s driver collected him.

Evelyn headed to St. Elizabeth Medical Center, where her records had been breached.

The hospital was responsible.

And she intended to find out who had accessed her files.

"Miss Thorne, I didn’t leak your information. No one approached me about it. Perhaps ask someone else?" The doctor who had handled her case dismissed her immediately.

Evelyn’s voice turned steel. "If you don’t help me uncover the truth, I’ll sue you and this hospital. The law will decide. And if it fails me, I’ll take this to the media."

The doctor paled. "There’s no need for threats!"

Evelyn leaned in. "Then give me answers."