Chapter 139

Evelyn stepped onto the subway platform.

The entire walk from Dominic's penthouse to the station, she resisted looking back. Yet she could feel his presence trailing behind her like a shadow. The man couldn't help worrying about her.

The train rattled through the underground tunnels, stopping at multiple stations before reaching her stop.

She exited onto the platform.

Home.

Evelyn spotted the police cars first, then Sebastian standing near them. As she approached, he stubbed out his cigarette and turned toward her.

For a moment, he seemed surprised she wasn't with Mr. Blackwood.

"Thank you for everything, Mr. Whitmore." Her gratitude was genuine, her voice thick with emotion.

Sebastian wasn't accustomed to verbal thanks. His job involved shadowy tasks that rarely warranted appreciation. "Don't thank me. Thank Mr. Blackwood." He always gave credit where it was due.

"Evie!" Abigail emerged from a car, clutching her laptop.

Evelyn lifted her gaze.

Sebastian nodded toward Abigail. "Go upstairs with Evelyn."

Understanding flashed in Abigail's eyes. With Evelyn's grandfather missing, she knew her friend needed support.

She'd been helping Sebastian until learning Evelyn was with their boss. "Come on, let's go up. Leave this to Mr. Whitmore."

The apartment door creaked open, revealing an unnaturally silent space.

"Make yourself comfortable." Evelyn gestured to the sofa before disappearing into the kitchen to boil water.

Abigail's fingers flew across her keyboard. "Grandpa will be fine. Don't make yourself sick with worry."

Evelyn's gaze landed on the empty rocking chair where Grandpa used to sit.

Her body ached from the emotional exhaustion of the day.

When Abigail finished working and went to check on Evelyn, she found her curled into a fetal position on the bed - a wounded creature seeking shelter.

Abigail stayed the night.

Morning brought relief from the cramps.

Evelyn woke first and moved quietly to the kitchen. The sound of clattering pans roused Abigail, who blinked at the unfamiliar surroundings before remembering where she was.

Eggs cracked against a bowl. Vegetables met a sharp blade.

The winter chill seeped through the windows. Evelyn's thoughts spiraled - was Grandpa warm enough? Was he safe?

Distracted, the knife slipped.

Blood welled from her finger before the pain registered.

Abigail dropped her toiletries when she saw crimson dripping onto the cutting board. "Jesus Christ!" She grabbed Evelyn's hand, inspecting the wound.

"I'll get gauze," Evelyn murmured numbly.

"How could you be so careless?" Abigail knelt, wrapping the injury with practiced hands. "I get that you're worried, but this isn't healthy. Grandpa's old. We all face losing our elders eventually."

Tears pricked Evelyn's eyes.

Abigail softened. "Let the police handle it. Come to work - distraction might help. Maybe Grandpa will be home when we return."

Evelyn nodded. She couldn't neglect work - not with her father's medical bills piling up.

T Corporation buzzed with morning activity.

The elevator carried them to the design floor.

"Why are there police here?" Abigail spotted two uniformed officers in reception.

A colleague opened their mouth to gossip, but the department head's door swung open. "Abigail. My office. Now."

No time for rumors.

Inside the glass-walled office, their boss looked harried. "Can your team take over Nathan's project?"

Abigail's pulse jumped. This was a major account. "Absolutely."

"Good. Management will arrange the handover."

Abigail bit back her questions - her boss's mood was clearly foul.

The police remained when she exited.

Nathan arrived moments later.

The officers moved swiftly, cuffing him the moment he set down his laptop. Gasps rippled through the office.

Evelyn looked up just as Nathan broke free.

His manacled hands swept the contents of her desk into her face.

"Cooperate!" The officers tackled him.

"Has he lost his mind?" a colleague whispered.

Abigail rushed over. "You okay?"

Their department head emerged, scowling at the scene. "Abigail, take your team upstairs. The CEO wants a meeting."

Abigail squeezed Evelyn's shoulder. "Come on." She hoped Mr. Blackwood would provide the comfort she couldn't.

Evelyn blinked back tears, gathering her laptop. She took a seat in the back corner of the conference room.

A hush fell over the room.

"Mr. Blackwood is here."