Chapter 221

Evelyn couldn't help but admire Cassandra's sheer audacity.

Following Cassandra's words, Evelyn noticed something peculiar.

Cassandra seemed genuinely unaware of the gravity of her situation.

Through clenched teeth, Cassandra spat, "This is all your fault. Look what you've reduced me to."

Cassandra had long since drained her bank accounts, entangled herself in legal battles, and was now teetering on the edge of being blacklisted.

That very morning, her phone service had been cut off due to unpaid bills, leaving her stranded without calls or internet access.

And all of it—every last bit—was Evelyn's doing.

Cassandra scoffed, her voice dripping with venom. "Evelyn, I came here today just to watch you fall."

Nathaniel's expression darkened instantly. "Where did this vile woman crawl out from?"

Sebastian added coolly, "She's the one who spread those lies about Evelyn last time."

Nathaniel shot him a sharp look. "Wasn't this supposed to be handled?"

Hadn't the plan been to ensure Cassandra never resurfaced? How was she standing here now?

Andrew cleared his throat. "This is on me. I'll look into it."

Evelyn turned to her brothers, her voice steady. "It's fine. Let's focus on what's in front of us."

She knew exactly why Cassandra was still standing—Penelope had been pulling strings behind the scenes.

But after today, Penelope would lose all her leverage.

Cassandra was nothing but a desperate pawn, spouting empty threats.

With a haughty laugh, Cassandra sneered, "Evelyn, even with all these men around you, you won't win. The people backing me are untouchable."

She leaned in, her voice a whisper. "Soon, the money will go straight to your adoptive parents' account. And you? You'll get nothing."

Nathaniel's voice was ice. "Don't be so sure."

Overnight, he had orchestrated the takeover of Optima Construction. The new owner would assume control by morning.

Just then, representatives from Optima Construction arrived.

Cassandra immediately intercepted them. "Mr. Harrison, remember our agreement? Stick to the plan."

Oh, Evelyn wouldn't understand—not until it was too late. Cassandra was determined to show her the meaning of despair.

But Lawrence shoved Cassandra aside, his face grim. "Get out of my way."

He turned to his colleagues. "Optima Construction is bankrupt. Our salaries haven't been paid. We need to demand what's ours."

The news sent shockwaves through the crowd. The employees scattered, desperate for answers.

Bob and Beverly rushed forward, panic in their voices. "Wait! What about our money?"

Cassandra stood frozen. "Bankrupt? How?"

As word spread about the demolition project's cancellation, chaos erupted. People surged forward, searching for company officials—but they had vanished.

Evelyn spotted Margaret in the crowd and hurried after her, but the throng quickly separated them.

Outside, a sleek black car idled at the curb.

Nathaniel frowned as he watched the commotion. "What's happening?"

Robert took a call, then turned to him. "Optima Construction was acquired overnight. The redevelopment is off. These people are demanding answers."

"Acquired? By whom?"

"Vista Properties."

Nathaniel's brow furrowed. Vista Properties was Alexander's company. Something wasn't right.

Were they targeting Evelyn?

"Investigate this," Nathaniel ordered coldly.

His gaze sharpened as he spotted Evelyn in the crowd, pushed aside and struggling to keep her balance.

Just as he moved to step out, he froze.

Evelyn was pulled into a man's arms—their embrace intimate, their closeness unmistakable.