Chapter 284

Evelyn Carter rushed back to Kingsley Medical Center, her pulse racing with terror. Sebastian's ominous warning reverberated through her mind like a death knell. Her manicured nails found their way between her teeth as she paced the sterile hospital room.

The situation was dire. She couldn't allow Evelyn Carter, a Kingsley, to uncover her buried secrets from Silvercrest. That woman possessed the cunning of a fox and the persistence of a bloodhound. Victoria Sterling knew she had to act before the truth surfaced.

With trembling fingers, she dialed Dominic Reeves. The phone rang endlessly before his groggy voice answered. "Do you know what time it is?" he grumbled.

"Dominic, she's investigating me!" Victoria's voice cracked with desperation. "She might expose everything. You need to leave Crestview immediately!"

A dark chuckle came through the receiver. "Trying to ditch me now? Not until I get my payment."

Fury ignited in Victoria's chest. "If Evelyn finds out about us, my engagement to Nathan is finished! You'll get nothing then. Forget about the ten million!"

Silence stretched between them before Dominic finally relented. "Fine. But if you're lying..."

"I swear you'll get every cent!" Victoria interrupted. "For safety, we shouldn't contact each other until this blows over."

The call ended, but her hands wouldn't stop shaking. After several deep breaths, she dialed another number. "Mother? Come to the hospital immediately. It's urgent!"

Meanwhile, in the dimly lit basement, Evelyn examined Dominic's phone with satisfaction. The man himself sat bound to a chair, his face gaunt from days of minimal rations. Gone were the days of hanging upside down - a small mercy that had nearly brought him to tears.

Theodore Winslow accepted the phone from Evelyn, his lips curling in approval. "Impressive performance," he remarked.

Dominic paled. "Anything for you, Ms. Kingsley," he stammered, his eyes darting to his bandaged wrists where two tendons used to be.

Evelyn crossed her legs elegantly, her emerald eyes glinting. "Victoria's birthday approaches." Her voice turned icy. "Play your part well, and I'll ensure you get prison instead of a coffin. Fail me..." She let the threat hang in the air.

Beads of sweat dotted Dominic's forehead. "Y-yes, Ms. Kingsley!"

Noticing his emaciated state, Evelyn gestured to Theodore. "Bring him proper food."

Soon, a feast appeared - golden roasted chicken, warm bread, even a cold beer. Dominic's eyes watered at the sight, his stomach growling audibly after days of stale crusts.

Theodore placed the tray before him with disdain. "Eat. Courtesy of Ms. Kingsley."

Trembling hands reached for the food. "Is this... my last meal?" Dominic whispered between bites.

As they ascended from the dungeon, Theodore frowned. "Why feed that vermin?"

Evelyn stretched gracefully. "Every pawn has its purpose, Theodore. To dismantle Victoria's empire, I need Dominic's cooperation." Her lips curved into a predator's smile. "And a well-fed pawn performs better."