Chapter 719

Evelyn's pupils constricted violently.

She stared at Lydia's innocent smiling face, a chill creeping up her spine.

"Touched?" Lydia tilted her head, tapping her chin with a finger. "But words are cheap. I need proof."

Bodyguards dragged Evelyn deeper into the warehouse, chains clanking.

Alexander lunged forward. "Stop!"

"Alex," Lydia sang, blocking his path. "One more step, and I can't guarantee Evelyn's neck won't snap."

She mimed a twisting motion, madness glinting in her eyes.

Alexander froze mid-step, his knuckles white, blood dripping from his clenched fists.

"Does it hurt?" Lydia leaned in curiously.

He recoiled from her outstretched hand.

Silence stretched.

The chains bit into Evelyn's skin, her breathing growing labored. When the gag was finally ripped away, she coughed violently.

Alexander's glare could have flayed Lydia alive.

"How cruel," Lydia pouted. "You never looked at Annabelle like that. Speaking of, how's she doing at the orphanage?"

She turned abruptly to Evelyn. "I heard you lost your memory after nearly drowning as a child?"

Alexander's voice was raw. "What do you want?"

"Simple." Lydia clapped her hands. "Evelyn fears water, so I'll give her fire instead."

She stepped back gracefully, flicking a lighter in an arc.

WHOOSH.

Flames engulfed the stacked oil barrels.

Alexander stood three paces from the exit.

He turned and ran into the inferno.

"Go!" Evelyn screamed. "One of us must live!"

Lydia watched the blaze from the doorway. "Human nature is selfish. No one defies instinct..."

Black smoke billowed out.

Bodyguards covered their mouths, exchanging glances.

The warehouse doorframe collapsed.

"Alex," Lydia murmured. "No regrets?"

His retreating back was her only answer.

"Boring." She shrugged. "Let's go."

Amid the flames, Alexander finally broke the last chain.

They staggered toward the stairs.

Evelyn coughed, eyes streaming. "Never thought I'd die with you."

Alexander gave a bitter smile. "Regrets?"

"The children are safe." She watched the approaching fire. "But Mom and Emily..."

"Listen." He gripped her hand urgently. "If we make it, take Grace to the estate. Mom misses you all."

"How?"

Instead of answering, he spoke rapidly. "You have the seal, right? There's a document in the bank vault—"

His gaze locked onto a ventilation shaft above, resolve hardening.