Chapter 33
The Delacroix Group was teetering on the edge of collapse. Not only had they lost their prestigious standing, but more than a dozen of Elysian Home’s physical stores in Verona City now stood abandoned.
To make matters worse, Sebastian had refused to bail them out. If they didn’t devise a solution soon, they would be finished once the funding from Blackwood Enterprises dried up.
Meanwhile, Whitmore Holdings had won public favor after exposing the Delacroix family’s true nature.
After months of operating under the radar, the prestigious KS World Hotel was finally gaining traction.
“I’ve been following your instructions,” Tristan reported, carefully filing Evelyn’s nails. “I’ve kept a close watch on Vincent ever since you fired him. Just as you predicted, he’s been in direct contact with Damien. And not just once.”
Tristan examined her manicure, then added, “Everything is unfolding exactly as you foresaw. You read him like an open book.”
Evelyn smirked, enjoying the pampering. “He embezzled hotel funds and conspired with Damien behind our backs. I suppose they share a special bond.”
Her expression darkened slightly as she continued, “The Delacroix Group is holding a press conference this weekend. I’ll show them what it truly means to have a friend in need.”
The new mattresses arrived that afternoon. Eager to inspect them, Evelyn personally oversaw the delivery with Tristan.
“Ms. Sinclair, you don’t need to trouble yourself. The Housekeeping Department and I can handle this,” Tristan insisted.
Evelyn arched a brow. “I’m not some delicate porcelain doll. I’ve fired weapons on battlefields, carried wounded soldiers, and saved countless lives. Do you really think checking mattresses will exhaust me?”
As she spoke, a shadow of bitterness flickered in her eyes.
She remembered a time in Valmont when she had saved Sebastian during a conflict. He had been shot in the leg and shoulder, begging her to leave him behind. But she had refused.
“Just go! I’m telling you to leave!”
“No! If you die here, I die with you! We leave together or not at all!”
At that moment, Evelyn had been prepared to meet her end. Sebastian stood nearly 6’2″, and carrying him to safety alone would have been impossible.
She had believed that dying together would prove their unbreakable bond. She had been ready—without regrets.
Now, a bitter smile touched her lips as her heart ached with each beat.
Sebastian had shattered her heart and altered the course of her life. She wondered if meeting such a captivating man so young had been a mistake.
Evelyn and Tristan made their way to the unloading bay, where workers were unpacking the shipment.
The Housekeeping Director watched in awe as Evelyn personally inspected the mattresses.
With Tristan’s help, she climbed onto the truck, unsealed a package, and tested the material before sitting on it. Satisfied, she nodded. “Everything checks out. Proceed with unloading.”
Just then, the roar of an engine cut through the air.
A sleek blue Lamborghini pulled up near the bay. Luxury cars weren’t uncommon in this area, given its proximity to the underground parking, but this one was different.
Behind the wheel, Lucian Ashford gripped the steering wheel with one hand, a drink in the other. His sharp gaze swept the scene before landing on an unexpected sight—Evelyn Sinclair assisting with the unloading.
She was as striking as ever, but there was something dangerous about her now—like a rose with thorns.
Even dressed in professional attire, she exuded an air of sophistication, her movements confident and graceful. This was a far cry from the fragile woman he had once seen.
Intrigued, Lucian smirked. “Well, well… this country bumpkin is full of surprises, isn’t she?
