Chapter 316

"It's a message from Vivian."

Emily handed over her phone.

A single line of text glowed on the screen:

[Vivian: Evelyn, call me ASAP.]

Evelyn took the phone and strode toward the balcony. "Rest for now. I need to make a call."

The call connected instantly.

Vivian's voice carried unusual gravity. "Something terrible happened."

"What is it?"

"Simon's mother is dead."

Evelyn's grip tightened around the phone. "When?"

"This afternoon. After Lora disappeared, the people Simon scammed came for him. He'd taken bribes pretending to be Oceanic Group's son-in-law. Now that the engagement's off..."

Evelyn glanced at the inky darkness beyond the window.

Despite the summer heat, a chill ran down her spine.

"Those people..."

"Took his mother hostage. Things went wrong." Vivian paused. "She died on the spot."

Evelyn drew a sharp breath. "Did they call the police?"

"He wouldn't dare. The fraud charges alone would put him away for life."

"How could he be so reckless? Even if he'd married into the Hardy family, old Mr. Hardy would never let him control anything."

Vivian scoffed. "Conning women became second nature to him. Pregnancy, marriage, extortion—his usual playbook. Natalie was too easy. He started thinking all women were that gullible."

"Now that he's desperate, do you think—"

"He'll go after Natalie?" Vivian snorted. "The hospital director's waiting for him. So are his creditors."

Silence stretched between them.

"Are you okay?" Evelyn asked softly.

"Couldn't be better. Justice is served." Yet exhaustion laced Vivian's words.

"But you don't sound happy."

"..." A long sigh. "Ten years ago, I might've set off fireworks to celebrate. But now..."

Her voice faded. "My college entrance exams... my future... none of that can be undone."

"You saved Natalie."

"I saved my younger self." Vivian suddenly laughed. "By the way, Dad's sixtieth birthday is this weekend. You're coming."

"I'll be there."

Hanging up, Evelyn gazed at the distant city lights.

Karma always collects its due.

But the price it exacts sometimes cuts too deep.