Chapter 211

"What's happening?"

"Why would searching for 'Evelyn Sinclair' trigger a violation warning?"

As Evelyn pondered this, her coworkers noticed a sleek black Bentley entering the courtyard, followed by two equally luxurious vehicles.

The cars kicked up dust from the unpaved road, but what caught everyone's attention were the consecutive license plate numbers.

T Corporation employees immediately stood at attention, discreetly pocketing their phones as they regarded the newcomers with utmost seriousness.

Sebastian stepped out of the lead car.

He walked straight toward Evelyn.

Evelyn rose from her seat, still puzzling over the internet comments when Sebastian announced, "Mr. Blackwood requests your presence, Ms. Sinclair."

She didn't move.

'If Dominic is here, why isn't he getting out himself?'

"Official business only," Sebastian clarified, seemingly understanding her hesitation.

Just then, two senior executives emerged from the third car. They approached Julian and another female colleague. After a brief discussion, both employees packed their equipment and followed the executives into the vehicle.

'So this really is official business.'

'But it's only been hours since last night. Isn't he exhausted from traveling between A City and this town?'

"Give me a moment," Evelyn said as she packed her laptop.

Meanwhile in A City...

Maxwell was dealing with Sophia's pestering when his phone rang.

Recognizing the number, he answered impatiently. "What?"

"The biggest news, obviously!" Lillian's spoiled voice came through. "Did you arrange the media blackout? It happened so fast."

"Media blackout?" Maxwell, freshly awake, had no idea about recent developments.

"Yes! Earlier the internet was buzzing, now there's not a trace. Clearly someone powerful intervened. My agent says searching your wife's name brings up violation warnings now..."

This led Lillian to conclude someone was suppressing the news.

And she wasn't pleased Evelyn received better treatment than her!

Maxwell's frown deepened as Lillian spoke. Lighting a cigarette, he snapped, "I didn't arrange anything."

"Is that... Lillian Prescott?" Sophia ventured a guess based on Maxwell's words.

His irritation turned to fury. He jabbed the cigarette toward her. "Shut your damn mouth!"

Sophia paled.

Lillian didn't care who Maxwell was speaking to. She hung up after confirming he wasn't behind the suppression.

A luxury RV rolled down a guarded private road toward an estate.

Before exiting, Lillian stopped her agent. "Not today, Beatrice. I want private time with Mother."

Beatrice understood, lighting a cigarette and signaling the driver to leave.

Alone at the mansion's entrance, Lillian adjusted her appearance. Removing her heels, she limped inside barefoot.

Genevieve was watching TV when she spotted her daughter's limp through the window. Setting aside her glasses, she rushed to help. "What happened, darling?"

"Just a sprain." Lillian sat heavily on the couch, wincing. "These heels are torture. I'll speak to your agent - no need for such discomfort at press events. Bring comfortable shoes tonight," Genevieve fretted.

"Mother, I've missed you..." Lillian suddenly embraced her, voice trembling.

Genevieve stiffened slightly before patting her back. "Still my little girl. I saw the news today. This industry... if it's too much, come home. You don't need to act."

"But... it was your dream. Since you couldn't pursue it, let me fulfill it for you..." Lillian said earnestly.

Genevieve fell silent, melancholy washing over her.

Her own acting dreams had been crushed when she married Jonathan Prescott from the military family. The Prescotts forbade their daughter-in-law from public appearances.

Then her hopes for children were also dashed... until they adopted bright, talented Lillian ten years ago.

"Mother, who ordered the media blackout? Did Father arrange it?" Lillian pressed.

If not Maxwell, surely her father had intervened.

Jonathan Prescott, Provincial Committee Secretary, certainly had that power!

Genevieve summoned a maid to tend to Lillian's ankle. "Your father's still in meetings at the Capital. He likely doesn't know yet."

Lillian frowned. 'Then who...?'

She quickly texted Maxwell: [I must know who's protecting her. Arrange a meeting with your wife immediately.]

Meanwhile, in the small town...

Sebastian escorted Evelyn to the car. She shivered upon entering, sensing an overpowering presence. Stowing her laptop bag, she stole a glance at the man beside her.

Dominic lounged casually in his custom suit, tie absent to reveal sharp collarbones and a prominent Adam's apple.

His expression was unreadable, lips pressed into a thin line.

'He must have seen the news,' Evelyn realized.