Chapter 487

The sleek black sedan rolled to a silent halt before the towering gates of Easton Estate.

Endless fields of irises stretched across the landscape, their purple blooms swaying gently in the breeze - planted years ago by Sebastian himself.

Evelyn stepped onto the cobblestone driveway, her heels clicking against the stone. "Mr. Donovan acquired Easton Estate during his last business trip to Stoslo," her escort informed her. "Every staff member here answers directly to him. You need only ask."

She gave a curt nod as a uniformed maid ushered her into the grand manor. The interior design mirrored Hanns Place's opulence - gilded moldings, crystal chandeliers, and imported marble floors that spoke of extravagant wealth.

Settling into a velvet armchair, Evelyn fixed her gaze on the intelligence officer. "Tell me what you know about the de Arma family's current situation."

"The de Armas?" The man hesitated briefly. "They've been locked in a power struggle with the Kents for years. Recently, Harrison disappeared mysteriously. Reginald's faction seized the opportunity to claim several de Arma territories. Their organization is in complete disarray."

Evelyn's fingers tightened around the armrest as fragments of Sebastian's revelations resurfaced. The sleeper virus that had infected her mother... the secret experiments conducted by noble families... the manufactured feud between the Goldmanns and de Armas.

None of it had been real. Not her great-grandfather severing Harrison's leg. Not Harrison kidnapping Nathan's mother. Just pawns in someone else's deadly game.

Now Harrison had uncovered the truth - hence his relentless attacks on the Kent family, the left-wing faction's strongest pillar. And her own staged death three years ago? Another move in their endless chess match.

A porcelain teacup appeared before her. "Ms. Alice," the officer ventured cautiously, "are you planning to intervene on the de Armas' behalf?"

Evelyn lifted the cup, watching steam curl from its surface. "My mother was a de Arma. I intend to reclaim what's rightfully theirs... and find my grandfather."

The man inclined his head. "Whenever you're ready, we have operatives standing by."

"Tonight," Evelyn said decisively, setting down her untouched tea. "We move tonight."

Moonlight glinted off the harbor waters as five armed guards patrolled Zephyr Dock. A sudden flare of light in the distance drew three men away to investigate.

Silenced shots rang out. The remaining guards collapsed before they could raise their weapons, dragged swiftly into shadow.

At the flare's origin, the investigating guards found only burning trash. As they exchanged confused glances, their third companion vanished without a sound.

Two figures emerged from the darkness. Precise strikes snapped their necks before they could scream.

Weapons collected, the shadowy team advanced toward the cargo ship where raucous laughter and card games echoed across the deck.

One player suddenly stilled. "Did you hear that?"

Another waved dismissively. "Go check it out."

The designated guard grabbed his rifle and disappeared into the night. Minutes ticked by with no return.

Nervous murmurs spread as the remaining men scrambled to their feet. The deck appeared deserted until a voice called down from above: "Looking for someone?"

Black-clad figures rained down from the ship's rigging before the guards could react. Within moments, Reginald's men stationed at the former de Arma territory lay unconscious or subdued.

The ambush had begun.