Chapter 459

Not 0.8%, but 8%.

An extra zero after the decimal point—almost imperceptible in the contract. Andrew Anderson's aging eyes couldn't detect such a subtle difference.

Evelyn's fingers trembled.

Peter Harrison had planned this trap all along.

He meticulously designed it, waiting for the Anderson family to fall in.

Sixteen thousand in monthly interest loomed like a mountain.

The Andersons could never shoulder this burden.

With compound interest, the debt would soon become astronomical.

A chill ran down Evelyn's spine.

Thankfully, she'd discovered the contract today.

Any later, and her parents might have been pushed to the brink.

"Sis?" Emily Anderson grasped her hand worriedly.

Evelyn took a deep breath. "I need to make a call."

"It's so late—"

"He owes me an explanation!"

On the balcony, Evelyn dialed Peter's number.

His mocking voice greeted her instantly. "What's wrong? Alexander ignoring you?"

"Are you trying to ruin my family?" she hissed.

"I gave you a chance," Peter chuckled. "You wasted it."

"Come at me directly! Leave my family out of this!"

"I'm helping you," he drawled. "Didn't you want to see Alexander? Now you have a reason. Beg him—maybe rekindle that old flame."

"...You're despicable."

"Just realizing that now?" He laughed. "Don't forget my matchmaker's fee!"

"You think he's my only option?"

"Suit yourself. But remember—five thousand daily interest. Can your father's pension cover that?"

The call ended abruptly.

Evelyn stared at her screen, finger hovering over "Alexander Hamilton."

Finally, she tapped it.

Endless ringing.

No answer.

She tried again. Same result.

Her messages vanished into the void.

It was Lydia Laurent's birthday. Of course he wouldn't spare her a thought.

Her phone vibrated suddenly.

Her pulse jumped—until she saw Gregory Wilson's name.

"Evelyn?" Concern laced his voice. "Are you okay?"

"I..." Her throat tightened.

"What happened?"

After a pause, she whispered, "Can you lend me some money?"

"How much?"

"Two million."

Not a second's hesitation. "Send me your account details."

She forwarded an electronic IOU. "I'll repay you as soon as I can."

"The money doesn't matter," Gregory said quietly. "Have you really decided to abandon medicine?"

"Just temporarily." She forced a smile. "Once Anderson Construction stabilizes..."

"Call me anytime you need help."

One minute later, a notification chimed.

Two million deposited.

Clutching her phone, Evelyn gazed at the starless sky.

This battle had only just begun.