Chapter 256

The clock had struck midnight when they finally arrived at Evelyn's private villa.

Arabella Kingsley was consumed with worry for her sister, forcing herself to stay awake despite the exhaustion. Her bloodshot eyes and pale complexion made her look utterly drained.

"Evelyn, stop torturing yourself. I'm perfectly fine." Arabella pouted, fresh tears welling up in her eyes. "Don't you have classes tomorrow? You should be resting."

Evelyn settled beside her younger sister and pulled her into a warm embrace.

"Evelyn...am I useless?" Arabella's voice trembled. "You've always protected me since childhood. Even now that I'm grown, I still can't do anything for you."

The older sister flicked Arabella's forehead gently. "Don't be ridiculous, little star. Because of you and Aunt Camille, our family became whole again. You're our precious lucky charm."

Evelyn's expression softened as she continued, "If you truly want to help me, focus on your acting dreams. When you become famous, I'll make you Monarch Group's spokesperson. We'll keep the wealth in the family and save me a fortune. Deal?"

"I promise!" Arabella wiped her tears with determination before heading to bed, falling asleep the moment her head touched the pillow.

After tucking her sister in, Evelyn slipped out quietly, her demeanor shifting as she entered the study where Theodore Winslow awaited.

"Victoria Sterling was hospitalized tonight. What's the real story?" Evelyn's warmth vanished as she took her seat.

Theodore nodded. "She attempted suicide by wrist-cutting but was rescued in time. Nathan Blackwood hasn't left her side."

Evelyn's lips curled in a cold smile. "Naturally. That scheming witch would stage this drama for him. Even in death, she'd chain him to her side."

"What's your take on this suicide attempt, Miss Kingsley?"

"The year's most pathetic performance," Evelyn scoffed, massaging her temples. "She hasn't become Mrs. Blackwood nor destroyed me yet. Someone truly suicidal wouldn't arrange to be discovered."

"You believe this was purely theatrics?" Theodore frowned. "But why take such a risk when their wedding approaches? Has Nathan developed second thoughts?"

Evelyn's expression darkened. "Who knows? Maybe the groom's eyes wandered elsewhere. That man's always chasing greener pastures. It wouldn't surprise me if he discards her like yesterday's news."

"Frankly, I hope they marry as planned," Theodore muttered. "Let them rot together and spare the world their toxicity."

His expression turned grim. "Any leads on your attacker? Penelope Whitmore remains detained with Mr. Kingsley - she couldn't have orchestrated this."

Evelyn's eyes turned stormy. "That fighter came from underground rings - all brute force, no finesse. Penelope lacks connections, and Cassandra lacks opportunity. Only Victoria fits - she spent three years in Silvercrest with questionable company. My guess? One of her former lovers became her attack dog."

Theodore's eyes widened at her razor-sharp deduction.

"As for why he targeted me..." Evelyn shrugged. "Rather than speculate, we'll get answers tomorrow."

She leaned forward suddenly. "Tell me you didn't inform Sebastian about this."

Theodore sighed. "I followed your instructions precisely. Mr. Kingsley knows nothing."

"Thank goodness-" Evelyn's relief was cut short by her ringing phone.

Sebastian's name on the caller ID made her blood run cold. She shoved the device away like it burned.

Moments later, Theodore's phone rang. Swallowing hard, he answered. "Mr. Kingsley."

"Put Evelyn on. Now."

Though not on speaker, Sebastian's thunderous voice made Evelyn's eyelid twitch violently.