Chapter 373

Leonard halted mid-step, his piercing gaze locking onto Evelyn. His voice deepened with conviction. "Even if Nathan chooses to wed Serena... I won't interfere. Do you grasp what that means?"

In truth, this was Leonard's calculated move - a psychological ploy designed to shake Evelyn's resolve.

He hoped the stark possibility would make her reconsider the divorce and fight for her marriage to Nathan.

Evelyn's face paled at his words. She'd been prepared to declare, "Yes, I'm certain." But suddenly, her throat constricted, the words dying before they could form. Observing her hesitation, Leonard knew his gambit had struck true. Pressing his lips together briefly, he continued, "About attending my birthday tomorrow as a Caldwell family friend - I consent. Since you wish to keep your identity concealed for now, I'll honor that secrecy."

Evelyn exhaled shakily, shoulders relaxing slightly. She offered Leonard a grateful nod. "Thank you, Leonard."

Leonard sighed heavily. "Let's just walk together for now."

"Alright," Evelyn murmured.

Meanwhile, in the VIP suite of Grand Ins Medical Center, Serena clutched her phone while Dylan stood sentry at the door.

"Finally answering?" she snapped as the call connected, her voice trembling with barely contained rage. "What incompetent fools did you hire? You guaranteed my safety! Then explain why those animals stripped me naked!"

The memory made her skin crawl. She'd forced herself to endure their revolting touches, playing the terrified victim perfectly. Every lingering trace of their filthy hands still haunted her.

A soft chuckle came through the receiver. "Isn't the effect precisely what you wanted? Now Nathan will drown in guilt. You can play the traumatized woman who only trusts him. Two birds with one stone, no?"

Serena's retort died in her throat. The bastard was right - the plan was working exactly as intended. But...

"But having those pigs violate me? How will Nathan see me now that others have... seen everything?" Her voice cracked with barely suppressed hysteria.

The voice turned dismissive. "He won't care. He'll only hate himself more for putting you through this. A man who loves you suffers when you suffer. A man who doesn't... well, nothing you endure would move him anyway."

Serena bit her lip until she tasted blood. The logic was infuriatingly sound. After a tense pause, she whispered, "And Dominic? There's no trail leading back to him?"

"None," came the immediate assurance. "Just remember - in this kidnapping drama, he's the mastermind."