Chapter 431

Evelyn's outstretched hand was suddenly yanked upward as Sebastian's fingers barely grazed the corner of the flash drive.

His cold eyes flickered with irritation as he looked up to see a furious face glaring at them.

"Vivian Prescott, you shameless hussy!"

Sophia Montgomery sneered, her voice dripping with venom. "The moment Alexander leaves, you're already cozying up to another man? Holding hands in public? You're disgusting! I'm telling Cousin Alexander everything!"

Evelyn hadn't expected Sophia to be following her. She withdrew her hand sharply, her expression hardening. "Watch your tongue. This 'other man' happens to be Alexander's uncle."

Sophia's eyes widened. She glanced at Sebastian, finally noticing the striking resemblance to Alexander—the same sharp jawline, the same piercing gaze.

She had heard of Sebastian Whitman but never met him. Now, seeing him in person, she was taken aback by his commanding presence.

"Apologize to Vivian," Sebastian demanded, his voice icy.

Sophia scoffed. "Apologize? To her? Why?"

"Because I could sue you for defamation based on what you just said," he replied coolly.

Evelyn smirked, shaking her head. "Sebastian, don't bother. Forced apologies mean nothing to me."

Sophia's face flushed crimson with rage.

A notification chimed from Sebastian's phone. He glanced at the screen, his brow furrowing. "Vivian, I need to return to the office. Something urgent has come up."

Evelyn nodded. "Go ahead."

Sebastian shot Sophia one last warning look before striding away.

Sophia rolled her eyes dramatically. "Pathetic," she muttered before storming off as well.

Now alone, Evelyn exhaled slowly.

Her gaze drifted over the untouched gourmet meal and the half-poured glass of red wine. She sank back into her chair, turning the flash drive over in her fingers.

After a moment of contemplation, she stood abruptly and headed straight to her office on Diamond Boulevard.

She copied the contents of the flash drive onto her personal computer, then clicked open the first folder.

Skimming through, she found confidential project blueprints, contracts, and classified reports from Blackwood Enterprises.

Leaking these would cripple the company.

Among them was a recent, highly sensitive collaboration with ZF Group—one misstep, and the fallout would be catastrophic.

Evelyn's lips curved into a slow, dangerous smile.

So this is how easy it is to destroy someone.

Alexander, you never imagined the woman you despise most is not only alive—but about to ruin you.

A dark chuckle escaped her as she recalled the merciless coldness in his eyes that night.

Just as she moved to shut down the computer, her cursor hovered over an unnamed folder.

Curious, she clicked it open.

Inside were thousands of text files. She selected one at random.

A single line appeared:

"It's nice to see you again. I mean it."

Her fingers froze on the mouse.

"I love you. I really do."

Alexander's voice echoed in her mind—those same words whispered against her skin on the shores of Pinecrest Heights before their wedding.

"I really do."

Was he emphasizing something?

Her phone buzzed violently, snapping her out of her thoughts.

Alexander Blackwood's name flashed across the screen.