Chapter 186

"Nat- Nathan?"

Evelyn's vision blurred as she thought the man beside her resembled Nathan. But when he leaned closer, his unfamiliar scent made her recoil. "What did you just call me?"

Her trembling hand reached for his collar before she realized her mistake. This wasn't Nathan.

She shoved him away violently.

Spinning around, Evelyn found herself surrounded by identical-looking men. Their outstretched hands and leering grins sent chills down her spine.

"No!"

Evelyn clutched her head, a bloodcurdling scream tearing from her throat. The terror twisting her beautiful features made her almost unrecognizable.

"Damn, this stuff works fast." The men exchanged glances as her pupils dilated unnaturally.

"Save the rest for tomorrow."

As they turned to leave, the door burst open.

All color drained from their faces when a well-dressed man with a cane entered, flanked by armed bodyguards.

Garrett removed his hat with deliberate slowness. "Hand her over."

"Boss, we didn't know—"

"You kidnapped Goldmann's woman and brought her to my casino?" Garrett's cane struck the nearest man's knee with a sickening crack. "Are you trying to get me killed?"

The thug collapsed, whimpering. "Mr. Goldmann's woman? But Nelson said she was just—"

"Who ordered this?" Garrett's voice dropped to a deadly whisper.

"Nolan Baker! He paid us to grab Richard Vanderbilt's daughter! We had no idea she was—"

Garrett's cane tip pressed against the man's throat. "Not even God can save Nolan now. Tell him to run to the ends of the earth." He turned to his men. "Get her to a hospital. Now. If Goldmann tears this place apart, I'll skin you alive!"

"Boss! Trouble!" A panicked boy rushed in. "Goldmann's men are storming the casino!"

Garrett's jaw clenched. With one last glare at his incompetent subordinates, he strode out.

Chaos reigned in the gambling hall. Patrons cowered in corners while unconscious security guards littered the floor like broken dolls.

"Mr. Goldmann," Garrett spread his hands in appeasement, sweat beading on his brow. "My deepest apologies. My men acted without my knowledge. The woman is unharmed."

The financial loss from this raid would be catastrophic. But angering the Goldmanns? That was a death sentence.

Even among criminals, some lines were never crossed.

Cross the Bouchers, you might end up in prison. Cross the Goldmanns? You'd wish for prison.

Nathan adjusted his cufflinks. "Names."

"Nolan Baker." Garrett swallowed hard. "But don't worry, I'll personally deliver him to you within—"

As head of the city's underworld, Garrett was powerful. But against the Goldmann empire? He was an ant. Sacrificing Nolan was the only way to save his operation.

"You have seventy-two hours." Nathan's icy gaze made Garrett's blood run cold. "Fail, and your entire organization burns."

"Yes, sir." Garrett bowed deeply, his shirt soaked through.

When they brought Evelyn out, her vacant stare and slack expression spoke volumes.

Nathan gathered her into his arms. Her skin was clammy, her eyes devoid of recognition.

The thugs trembled under his murderous glare. "Mr. Goldmann, we swear we didn't touch her! Just...just a small injection to calm her down—"

The temperature in the room dropped twenty degrees.