Chapter 283

The sleek Bugatti disappeared into the velvet night. Alexander Whitmore adjusted his sunglasses, a slow smirk spreading across his lips as exhilaration pulsed through his veins.

Owned by Monarch Group.

The powerful engine roared as the car sliced through the empty streets, its headlights cutting through the darkness.

Alexander rolled down the window, letting the crisp night air rush in. His gaze drifted to the glittering skyline across Starlight River, lost in contemplation.

Theodore Winslow's grip tightened on the steering wheel. His voice was tight with disapproval. "Ms. Carter, you seem awfully familiar with Mr. Whitmore already."

Evelyn Carter shrugged lightly. "We clicked. He's interesting."

Theodore's jaw clenched. "Just because he saved you doesn't mean he wasn't following you to the gala. You should be careful."

Evelyn chuckled. "Maybe he recognized me and got curious. After talking to him, I don't think he's dangerous—just eccentric. Probably the Serenian influence."

Her eyes sparkled. "And we both love the same game! We even made plans to play together soon."

Theodore's frown deepened. After a tense silence, he finally murmured, "Ms. Carter, you've never been this... accommodating with a man you just met. Do you... like him?"

Evelyn shot him an incredulous look. "Where did that come from?"

She rolled her eyes dramatically. "If anything, Alexander's the one who seems interested. But honestly, men are distractions. I have fortunes to make—no time for romance!"

Theodore exhaled in relief, his shoulders relaxing. Good. At least Mr. Whitmore hasn't swayed her.

Just then, the car jolted slightly over a speed bump. A small card slipped from the bouquet in Evelyn's lap.

"Hmm?" She picked it up, unfolding the elegant stationery.

In flowing script, Alexander had written: "Youth's fleeting—don't waste a single moment of it."

Evelyn's lips curved. This man is... intriguing.

Theodore broke the silence. "You saw Victoria Sterling again today. Did she say anything?" His voice darkened at the mention of the venomous woman.

Evelyn arched a brow. "What do you think? Can a snake ever stop being poisonous?"

"Ms. Carter, she's already tried to harm you once. She'd sacrifice anyone to climb higher." Theodore hesitated. "How do you plan to handle this?"

Evelyn's fingers traced the rose petals absently. "Actually, I need you to take care of something else for the next few days."

"Your orders, Ms. Carter?"

"Keep watch on Margaret Sterling—Victoria's mother." Her voice turned icy. "After tonight, Victoria won't be able to restrain herself. She'll make her move soon."

Theodore frowned. "Did you provoke her?"

"I may have... hinted at her past in Silvercrest." Evelyn smirked, recalling Victoria's horrified expression.

"Isn't that tipping her off?"

Evelyn shook her head, eyes gleaming. "Not a warning—a lure. I want her to panic. The closer she gets to marrying Nathan Blackwood, the more desperate she becomes. She'll eliminate any threat—including that hidden child."

Theodore's eyes widened. "So she'll send her mother to relocate the girl!"

Evelyn nodded. "Victoria's stuck in the hospital. Her mother is the only one who knows the child's location. The bait's set. Now we wait for the trap to spring."