Chapter 218

Evelyn knew all too well how quickly the Whitmores could cut ties. That’s why she kept her final trump card close—insurance against future attacks or schemes.

And she’d played it perfectly.

Once her task was done, she wiped the anonymous account clean and disposed of the flash drive. No traces left behind.

Nathaniel had given her that drive. After all, he’d tracked down IP addresses when she’d been targeted online before.

She’d asked him how to stay untraceable, and he’d handed her the drive without question, assuming she had a target in mind. The software inside would reroute any snoopers to a fake IP.

She hadn’t expected to use it so soon. Still, the thrill of deception sent a rush through her veins.

This time, Penelope would regret everything.

Evelyn would make sure she never dared touch her again.

As she finished, she noticed a refund notification—$100,000 returned. Had Nathaniel rejected the transfer?

Back when Beatrice had written that check to Walter and Beverly at their marital home, Evelyn had been furious. The last thing she wanted was to owe the Whitmores a single cent. So she’d sent the exact amount back to Nathaniel.

Why hadn’t he taken it?

She added him again, surprised when the request was instantly accepted.

Had he never blocked her?

She remembered his scolding call when she’d blocked him before. Yet here he was, leaving the door open.

She resent the money.

Would he refuse again? To him, $100,000 was pocket change.

She typed, "Take the payment."

Then she yawned, exhaustion pulling her under.

The next morning, her phone buzzed with a flood of missed calls.

She sat up and checked the headlines.

No surprise—Penelope’s name was everywhere.

"Whitmore Heiress Caught in Drug-Fueled Scandal!"

The story had exploded. Impossible to contain.

A smirk curled Evelyn’s lips.

Then, Penelope called again. This time, Evelyn answered.

"Good morning, Ms. Whitmore."

"Evelyn! Was this you? You’re the only one who knew!" Penelope’s shriek nearly shattered her eardrums.

Evelyn held the phone away, voice dripping with indifference. "I have no idea what you’re talking about."

"Stop lying! You think you can mess with me? I’m a Whitmore. My family will destroy you. Just wait—I’ll ruin you!"

Evelyn’s voice turned to ice. "I warned you. Cross me again, and you’ll regret it."

"You’re nothing! A nobody from the slums! Crushing you is like stepping on an ant. How dare you ambush me? I’ll make sure your whole family pays!"

Evelyn laughed.

"Go ahead. But if you push me, I’ve got another video. One where you’re completely naked. I’m sure the internet would love that."

Silence.

Then—click.

The line went dead.