Chapter 36

"Mrs. Wilkins informed me that Madam Evelyn hasn't returned home," the housekeeper said with concern. "I've been keeping watch in the parlor all evening, but she never appeared."

Dominic's expression darkened instantly.

If she wasn't at the manor, where could she possibly be?

Had she deceived him about going home to work on her dissertation?

"I'll try calling her immediately," Mrs. Wilkins offered, hurrying toward the antique telephone in the hall.

Unbeknownst to them, Evelyn had been snatched the moment she stepped outside Mooncrest Manor, now transported across Ravenshore against her will.

Strong hands had forced her into an unmarked vehicle, where they bound her wrists and covered her eyes with a rough cloth.

The car traveled for what felt like an eternity before finally screeching to a stop.

She was hauled into an unfamiliar building and shoved into a cold metal chair.

When the blindfold was ripped away, a distorted male voice greeted her.

"Forgive the unpleasantness, Miss Thorne. We're merely professionals completing an assignment. No harm will come to you if you comply."

Evelyn's eyes darted around the sterile white room before landing on her captor.

The black ski mask concealed his identity completely, and his voice held no recognizable inflection.

"I'll cooperate within reason," she stated evenly. "But I won't participate in anything unlawful, regardless of your threats."

The man emitted a humorless chuckle. "I sincerely doubt someone of your... delicate constitution could manage anything criminal."

With surprising gentleness, he freed her wrists only to attach electrodes to her fingertips.

"This polygraph doesn't tolerate deception. Answer truthfully or you'll regret it. One lie detected, and you won't see daylight again. Understood?"

Evelyn studied the blinking machine, weighing her options before giving a single nod.

"You needn't worry about dishonesty."

"Excellent." The interrogator adjusted his mask. "State your full name."

"Evelyn Rose Thorne."

"Did your father reveal the safe combination before his death?"

"No."

The man's eyes flicked to the polygraph readout.

Every indicator remained steady, confirming her veracity.

"Why were you at Mooncrest Manor tonight? Who summoned you?"

Evelyn pressed her lips together.

"Attempting deception?" he snarled. "Don't overthink - just answer!"

"I merely feared my response might... unsettle you," Evelyn countered smoothly. "Are you acquainted with the Blackwoods?"

"What?"

"Do you know Dominic Blackwood?" Evelyn pressed.

The man snorted. "Everyone knows the Blackwood heir. What's your connection? Did he invite you?"

Evelyn shook her head slowly. "Are you familiar with his cousin, Julian Whitmore?"

"Enough! I ask the questions here!" The captor's fist slammed onto the metal table. "Stop playing games!"

"Julian Whitmore escorted me there," Evelyn conceded.

"Define your relationship."

"Our connection is... intimate. Surely a man of your experience understands?"

The interrogator waved impatiently. "Enough semantics! Did you access your father's safe? This is critical - my employer already knows the truth! This test is merely confirmation!"

Meeting his glare, Evelyn deliberated before answering. "I did open it. But the contents aren't in my possession."

"Who possesses them?!"

Evelyn's lips curved faintly. "I believe I mentioned him earlier."

"Dominic Blackwood?"

A headshake.

"Your lover? Julian Whitmore?" The man's voice dripped with disgust.

Evelyn's nod was barely perceptible.