Chapter 280

She had never intended to settle things quietly. The words were merely a cruel tease—a fleeting promise dangled before Margaret only to be snatched away. Evelyn wanted her to choke on despair.

"Fine! Evelyn, just fine!" Margaret's lips trembled with fury. "I never planned to pay fifty billion in the first place! My fortune wasn't earned without sacrifice!"

"Then I hope your brother's ghost doesn't haunt you when he's gone," Evelyn taunted, her voice dripping with venom. "I wonder how you divided that twenty billion you stole from us."

Margaret's blood boiled.

"Evelyn Thorne... Just you wait... I won't let you walk away unscathed... My brother, my daughter... I will make you pay!"

"Oh? Planning to hire an assassin?" Evelyn's laugh was cold. "Eldermere's surveillance and law enforcement have advanced far beyond what they were five years ago. Think carefully—can you bear the consequences? Murder and hiring a killer both carry the death penalty here."

Margaret's face drained of color. The call ended abruptly.

Clara studied Evelyn. "Is she still as arrogant as ever?"

"She built a cosmetics empire overseas. Profitable."

Clara lowered her gaze, silent.

"Mom, she funded that company with stolen money." Evelyn's voice hardened. "No amount of success will erase what she did—getting Dad killed and bankrupting Thornfield Industries. She will pay."

Clara nodded. "Karma took her daughter young. All I care about is your safety, Evelyn. The money means nothing."

That evening, Nathan called Lucas, inviting him for drinks.

Lucas was home, and Evelyn's sharp gaze locked onto him the moment he answered.

He'd sworn off alcohol after last night's excess, opting for a quiet dinner—but Nathan's invitation was hard to refuse.

"Didn't you drink last night? Again?" Lucas shot Evelyn a guilty glance.

"What, can't handle it?" Nathan challenged.

Since reconciling with Lucas, Dominic had tasked Nathan with extracting information. Why had Lucas partnered with Evelyn? Was there more to the story?

Lucas, prideful and young, would never admit defeat.

"Send the address. I'm on my way." He hung up and turned to Evelyn.

She arched a brow. "Nathan?"

Lucas flushed, scratching his head. "How'd you guess?"

"Who else could drag you out? Remember your hangover this morning? You swore off alcohol this week."

"I said no wine. Beer is basically water." He grinned, stepping onto the porch.

Evelyn followed. "Have you considered why Nathan's asking?"

"Huh?" Lucas paused mid-shoe change.

She recounted Dominic's interrogation of Wesley last night and warned, "If Nathan probes, you know what to say. If you slip, our friendship ends here."

Lucas clenched his fists. "That snake! Always scheming! I'll drink him under the table tonight—teach him a lesson!"

"Don't. He has work tomorrow."

"Not my problem. Relax, I won't betray you."

Evelyn hesitated. "If you were dating Nathan... would you tell him?"

"Even if he were my husband, I'd never reveal what you don't want shared. You saved my life. You come first."

Relieved, Evelyn let him go.