Chapter 216

Alexander's imagination ran wild in those brief moments. By the time he snapped back to reality, his fury had reached a boiling point—he could commit murder without hesitation.

"We're uncertain of the exact motive, but it was indeed the Whitmore family who instructed Geoffrey to target Ms. Evelyn. After all, the Whitmores hold significant influence in Bern City. Optima Construction wouldn't dare oppose them."

"Nathaniel truly has the audacity, doesn't he? How dare he?" Alexander seethed.

His blood burned with rage.

Nathaniel had the nerve to pursue Victoria while orchestrating such schemes. Worse, he still relied on Julian to operate on Eleanor. And yet, he targeted Evelyn?

After hanging up, Alexander immediately dialed Julian. This matter was too critical to delay. If Nathaniel was truly framing Evelyn—especially in such a despicable manner—their alliance with the Whitmores needed reevaluation.

He wouldn't hesitate to call off Victoria's engagement to Nathaniel.

Evelyn waited in the living room as Alexander finished his call. Just then, her phone buzzed—an unknown number.

She answered cautiously. "Hello? Who is this?"

"It's me, you fool! You've landed me in so much trouble. How does it feel, Evelyn? Disappointed? You waited so long for that demolition payment, thinking you could change your fate. But you failed! Hahaha!" The voice on the other end cackled.

Evelyn's expression darkened. "Was this your doing, Cassandra? No, you're not capable of this alone. Penelope must be behind it."

Though Penelope wasn't particularly clever, her status as a Whitmore made pulling strings effortless.

Cassandra sneered. "That airheaded brat is clueless! She just flaunts her family name. I orchestrated everything! I made sure Walter and Beverly signed the documents after they left their bank details with me. No matter how furious you are, that money will never reach you!"

"Cassandra, you're nothing more than Penelope's lapdog. Without her, do you think Geoffrey would spare you a glance? Oh, wait—maybe you could warm his bed. That seems to be your specialty, considering how often you've done it with older men."

A shrill scream erupted from the other end. "Evelyn, you'll regret this! I swear!"

Evelyn hung up without another word. So, Penelope was involved—though it wasn't entirely unexpected. Why did the Whitmores always cross her path?

Years ago, she'd endured Penelope's bullying. Now, it had escalated. Margaret's health had been fragile lately, and failing to secure the demolition payment would devastate her. The guilt would consume Evelyn.

She pulled out her phone, intending to text Nathaniel—demanding he control Penelope. To her surprise, she realized she'd already blocked him.

She tried calling instead. No answer.

Frustrated, she typed out a furious message: If you don't rein in that lunatic Penelope, don't blame me for what happens next.

Evelyn had leverage over Penelope. The moment she sent the text, Nathaniel called back.

Just then, Alexander stepped into the living room, his call concluded. Flustered, Evelyn quickly ended Nathaniel's call.

"Alexander, any updates?"

He cleared his throat. "I looked into it. It seems Walter and Beverly exploited some loopholes."

Evelyn exhaled in relief. At least he didn't realize the Whitmores were involved. With his temper, she wouldn't have been able to stop him.

Still, she couldn't fathom why they'd targeted her.

Her phone buzzed again. Alexander glanced at it.

"Aren't you going to answer that?"