Chapter 115

Evelyn strode toward the unconscious woman in black, swiftly retrieving a cell phone from her limp body.

With practiced ease, she pressed the woman's thumb against the sensor, unlocking the device in seconds.

Her fingers danced across the screen as she composed a message to Vivian: "Bring her to the east wing in twenty minutes."

After sending it, she tucked the phone into her pocket and rose gracefully. "Mr. Kane, I'll leave the rest to you."

The imposing figure in black gave a curt nod.

Evelyn exited the lounge, her heels clicking against the marble floor as she approached the balcony.

A distinguished middle-aged man stood with his back to her, his platinum blonde hair tied in an elegant low ponytail. As he turned, the moonlight caught the delicate silver chain of his vintage spectacles.

"Uncle Edmund," Evelyn greeted with a playful curtsy, her emerald eyes sparkling with mischief.

The refined gentleman before her was Edmund Lincoln. His aristocratic features and impeccable tailoring made him appear at least a decade younger than his forty-five years.

Only those who knew him well understood this was no mere illusion of youth.

He reached out to tousle her hair affectionately. "You reckless child. What if I hadn't been able to send Kane in time?"

"I never doubt you," she replied without hesitation.

'Even if the world turns against me, I'll always trust Uncle Edmund.'

While Sophia had helped her escape abroad six years ago, it was Edmund who had protected her throughout her exile in Stoslo.

Without his influence, she would have been devoured alive in that ruthless foreign land.

She'd known Edmund since childhood through her mother. Though their exact connection remained unclear, one truth stood undeniable - he alone knew her mother's true identity.

"Such blind faith is dangerous, little one." Though his words carried reprimand, his warm gaze betrayed paternal affection.

He'd known of Evelyn's return to Zlokova for months. Their prolonged silence was by design - she refused to use their connection for vengeance.

'This stubborn girl insists on doing everything alone.'

Edmund rested a hand on her shoulder. "You should return before Nathan grows suspicious."

"Now? But I'd miss all the fun." A wicked grin played on her lips.

Recognizing that glint in her eyes, Edmund chuckled. "Do as you please. Leave the Santiagos to me - just enjoy your evening."

Meanwhile, the event coordinator scrambled to contain the earlier disturbance, knowing full well they couldn't afford to anger the Goldmann heir.

Nathan's gaze kept sweeping the crowd, his champagne flute forgotten. The absence of one particular guest made his expression darken.

"Handle this yourselves," he dismissed the staff abruptly.

Just as he turned to search, Vivian came rushing toward him in apparent distress. "Nathan! Something terrible has happened!"

She clutched his arm with trembling hands. "Zoe's disappeared! I've looked everywhere!"

His entire body tensed. "Are you certain?"

"I know you don't trust me," Vivian said with tear-filled eyes, "but we need to find her immediately!"

Inwardly, she sneered. 'If only I knew which man's bed she's warming tonight.'