Chapter 289

"I could let you go... if you do something for me."

Evelyn Sullivan stepped out of LoseDemon, Scorpion's icy voice still echoing in her ears. Though he claimed to give her time to consider, she knew there was no real choice.

Her mind weighed heavy as she walked toward the parking lot. Just as her fingers brushed the car door, a sharp voice cut through the silence.

"Evelyn!"

She spun around. Ethan Sullivan stood three meters away, impeccably dressed in a suit, his eyes frosty.

"What are you doing here at this hour? You should be home asleep."

Her breath hitched. She hadn't sensed his approach.

"Did you come looking for me?" she asked softly.

He closed the distance in long strides, his shadow engulfing her. "Answer the question."

"It's personal." She turned her face away. "Do I have to explain?"

The air turned glacial.

After a long pause, Ethan turned and yanked open the car door. "Get in."

The ride was suffocatingly silent. Evelyn stared at the neon lights flashing past the window while Ethan's knuckles whitened around the steering wheel.

At the villa, she muttered a quick "goodnight" and retreated to the guest room. Ethan stared at the closed door, his gaze darkening.

They'd started over, yet her secrets only multiplied.

The next morning, Colin Keller placed an investigation report on Ethan's desk.

"Ms. Sullivan entered a VIP room at LoseDemon last night, but all surveillance footage was erased. We can't identify who she met."

Ethan crushed the pen in his hand, ink splattering across the documents.

"Keep digging."

"Sir..." Colin hesitated. "Unless Ms. Sullivan herself tells us—"

The office temperature plummeted. Colin held his breath until Ethan finally growled, "Get out."

Once alone, Ethan dialed an encrypted number.

"I need everything on Scorpion."

Meanwhile, in the MY conference room, Sophia Reynolds nudged Evelyn for the third time.

After the meeting, Sophia cornered her. "Trouble with Ethan?"

"Just tired." Evelyn rubbed her temples.

"Take a break."

"No need." Evelyn hesitated. "About your father..."

"Follow the law." Sophia's voice was firm. "No special treatment."

Silence reclaimed the office. Evelyn stared at her phone, then finally dialed a memorized number.

"Changed your mind?" Scorpion's voice dripped with amusement. "My dear Iris."