Chapter 851

"Why should I trust you?" Evelyn's voice was ice cold.

She sat perfectly composed, her posture radiating effortless elegance and unshakable confidence.

If there was real danger, Seraphina should've gone to the authorities. Why come to a businesswoman like Evelyn instead?

Seraphina's hands trembled violently as she fumbled with her phone.

She pulled up a photo - a younger version of herself holding an infant. The timestamp showed it was taken nearly six years ago.

"That's my daughter. She's only six. Vincent Caldwell has... tendencies. If he takes her, she won't survive the night!"

Even someone slow on the uptake would recognize the gravity in those words.

"The child is yours and Vincent's?"

Seraphina hesitated before nodding sharply. "When I was starting out in Hollywood, he bankrolled my career. After he discarded me, I hid the pregnancy. He has a history with orphanages - not for charity, but for... other purposes."

She showed Evelyn several disturbing photos - Vincent grinning while holding bruised children.

Evelyn's stomach turned violently.

"I have no leverage against him," Seraphina whispered desperately. "If I go to the police, he'll kill us both. You're my only hope—"

Bennett arrived with contracts in hand, freezing when he saw Seraphina. "Ms. Sinclair, the Pacific Crest documents—"

Evelyn made a snap decision. "Bennett, keep Vincent occupied." Before he could respond, she was already striding toward the elevators with Seraphina. "You know the room number?"

"Suite 2407."

The elevator ride was tense. When they reached the door, Seraphina began hyperventilating. Evelyn silenced her with a look and knocked sharply.

A hulking bodyguard cracked the door open. "State your business."

Behind him, muffled whimpers.

Evelyn flashed a dazzling smile. "Sterling Enterprises. Mr. Caldwell requested my presence."

As the guard reached for his phone, Evelyn exploded into motion. Her sneaker-clad foot smashed the door open.

The guard lunged. She twisted away, seizing his wrist and wrenching it backward with a sickening pop.

Seraphina darted past them.

"Bitch!" A female voice shrieked from inside. "Give her back!"

Glass shattered.

Seraphina came sprinting out clutching a small, sobbing figure.

Evelyn jerked her chin toward the exit. Once they were clear, she turned to leave—

"Rot in hell!"

The cold press of metal against her spine told Evelyn everything.