Chapter 440

Annabelle took a step forward in her stilettos, crimson lips curling with disdain. "Just because Alexander stays silent doesn't mean you belong in that seat. As long as I object, you won't have a moment's peace!"

Evelyn lifted her gaze, eyes glacial. "Oh?"

"I'm not greedy." Annabelle admired her freshly manicured nails. "We split the family assets. Half the company shares go to me. And that 12 million you embezzled—I'll overlook the 3 million Father gave you, but at least return 6 million from the company funds."

Evelyn suddenly laughed. "Is this your idea, or Alexander's?"

Annabelle arched a perfectly shaped brow, smugness oozing. "It was mine initially. But Alexander didn't object, so consider it our joint proposal. Six million is nothing to you."

Evelyn recalled Emily's words—Mr. Hamilton is away on business—her gaze turning arctic. "Dream on. If you're unhappy, take me to court."

That money had already been returned to the bank through Vivian. She couldn't produce it now.

"The money can wait." Annabelle shifted tactics. "But the shares—I want half immediately. It's my rightful due."

Bamboo leaves rustled, casting shadows that sharpened Evelyn's icy expression. "I'll say it again. Sue me. I'll pay whatever the court orders."

Annabelle's face darkened. "You think I won't?"

"Of course you will." Evelyn met her gaze calmly. "I respect the law's judgment."

The law wouldn't entertain such absurdity.

As Evelyn turned to leave, stilettos clattered urgently behind her. Annabelle grabbed her arm. "Stop!"

Evelyn shook her off without looking back.

"You think this is just about money?" Annabelle shouted after her. "I'm saving our parents' legacy! What do you, a doctor, know about running a business? The company will collapse under you!"

Her righteous tone made Evelyn nauseous.

She halted abruptly.

Annabelle rushed to block her path. Corridor lights laid bare both their expressions.

"Even if you're distant from our parents, you can't watch their life's work crumble, can you?" Annabelle softened her voice. "Father already gave you 3 million in private funds..."

Evelyn smirked. "Oh? So you can manage the company?"

"Don't worry about that." Confidence dripped from Annabelle's words. "Alexander ran it perfectly before. If you transfer control to me, I'll ensure he continues advising."

"And then?"

"We'll expand, of course! Far better than leaving it in your hands."

Evelyn had no patience for this drivel. "Want shares? File a lawsuit. Until the verdict, this conversation is over."

Annabelle's expression flickered before she lowered her voice. "There's another way..."

"Not intereste—"

"Return to Alexander," Annabelle cut in. "He'll still support the family business. You lose nothing."

Evelyn stared at her, incredulous. "Have you lost your mind?"

Night wind stirred the bamboo grove.

Annabelle forced a smile. "This option beats the last one, doesn't it?"

"I'm curious," Evelyn narrowed her eyes. "The person who once wished I'd vanish—why the sudden change?"

Annabelle mistook her tone for hesitation. "The enemy of my enemy is my friend. We're not opponents anymore."

"Your list of 'enemies' must be endless." Evelyn's voice dripped sarcasm.

Annabelle plowed on, oblivious. "You've seen Lydia. She's Alexander's official girlfriend now. I need her gone."

That same delusional arrogance. Evelyn felt equal parts disgust and pity.

"I can't do it, but you can." Annabelle leaned closer. "You still matter to him. If you humble yourself, he might not marry Lydia."

Evelyn nearly laughed. "Your imagination belongs in fiction. Keep me out of it."

Those scars still ached. She'd never walk that path again.

Annabelle fake-warmly linked arms with her. "You misunderstand. We're both Taylor daughters—that beats some outsider."

Evelyn pulled free. "By the pond earlier, you and Lydia looked cozy enough, arms entwined for photos."