Chapter 887

Only the director of R&D could access the final prototype.

Evelyn Sinclair's expression turned icy, her gaze sharpening with displeasure. "This was happening right under my nose. How dare Vincent Caldwell..."

"Ms. Sterling, if you doubt my words, check your inventory. One device is missing. According to my sources, it's already been delivered to Vincent's brother-in-law's residence."

Evelyn lifted her chin, her face an unreadable mask.

She smirked. "Seraphina, did you intentionally wait until after the theft to bring me this information?"

Seraphina Devereux stiffened, lowering her eyes. Evelyn had seen right through her.

"Yes. Otherwise, you wouldn't have believed me."

Evelyn chuckled darkly and summoned Bennett. "Contact the authorities. We're reporting corporate theft. Suspend the R&D manager immediately and freeze all his access."

Bennett glanced at Seraphina before nodding. "Right away."

Evelyn returned the phone to Seraphina. "Assuming this checks out, what do you want in return?"

Seraphina exhaled in relief. "No payment necessary. You helped me before, Ms. Sterling. This is me returning the favor."

Evelyn arched an eyebrow.

"Is that so? Then I won't insist."

People were too exhausted for pretenses. If Seraphina refused to state her terms, Evelyn wouldn't press. Seraphina's expression faltered. "Well... if you could arrange for my daughter to study abroad..."

Evelyn studied her intently, frowning.

Seraphina bowed her head. "I'd be eternally grateful."

"I don't follow, Ms. Devereux."

Seraphina inhaled sharply. "Vincent has a legitimate child. Yet he obsessively monitors my illegitimate daughter and me. Do you know why?" This indeed piqued Evelyn's curiosity.

"His wife's child has leukemia. They need a bone marrow transplant. They secretly tested my daughter—she's a perfect match!"

Seraphina's eyes reddened, her features twisting with fury.

She ground her teeth. "They treat my child like spare parts! She's not even ten—this would traumatize her, not to mention the developmental risks. I won't let them exploit her!"

It was the first time Evelyn had heard a mistress call the legal wife's family "shameless."

"If it's just sending your daughter abroad, surely you can manage that yourself?"

Evelyn eyed her skeptically. Actresses earned substantial incomes, especially rising stars like Seraphina. Why involve Evelyn?

Seraphina averted her gaze. "Vincent's people watch my every move. If I step foot overseas, they'll snatch her back instantly. I can't risk it. Ms. Sterling, please smuggle her out discreetly. Reveal her location to no one. Once things stabilize, I'll retrieve her myself..."

It sounded reasonable.

"But isn't it impractical for a child to live abroad alone?"

Evelyn implied that relocating Seraphina too would simplify childcare. When Evelyn had studied abroad, the Sterlings had panicked—180 daily calls, Alexander threatening to fly over just to cook for her...

Seraphina smiled bitterly. "She's accustomed to solitude. I can't leave—my career's peaking now. An actress's prime lasts barely two years. If I vanish from public view for three days, audiences forget me..."