Chapter 217

Keyn's rage burned like wildfire as he hurled accusations at Evadne, as though she had personally destroyed his entire world.

Jason's handsome face flushed crimson at the vicious words, but Evadne remained unfazed. A playful smirk curled her red lips. "Well, this is getting interesting."

"What did you just say?" Kevin demanded, his face paling.

"I said Caroline is fascinating," Evadne replied, reaching for another piece of chocolate. Jason couldn't help but chuckle at her sweet tooth.

"You've known her for two months, yet you're willing to throw away your career—your life—for her. Impressive. But let me make one thing clear, Kevin." Her icy gaze pinned him in place. "You have no right to judge me. And if you dare sabotage the Ashbourne family's business, don't expect mercy. Patience isn't my virtue."

Kevin recoiled, the fear he'd suppressed surging back. Evadne's presence was suffocating.

"I'll tell you the truth, Kevin. Caroline never loved you. She used you because you were an easy target."

"Shut up!" Kevin roared, his voice raw like a wounded beast. "You don't know her! You have no right—"

Ignoring him, Evadne signaled Jason to turn on the TV. The screen lit up with explicit photos—Caroline entangled with none other than the President of Pioneer Post, Smith.

Jason stiffened. "Where did you get these?" he whispered.

"Later," Evadne murmured, watching Kevin collapse to his knees, sobbing uncontrollably.

"Why would she do this to me?" His tears fell like a storm.

"You were a pawn, Kevin. And behind Caroline? Someone else is pulling the strings." Her voice was merciless.

Kevin's regret was palpable—not for ruining his future, but for falling for a woman who never cared.

"Ms. Ashbourne... I'll tell you everything."

After a brutal interrogation, Kevin confessed how Caroline manipulated him into stealing trade secrets. Jason recorded every word, ready to charge him with corporate theft.

Now that they'd caught the traitor, it was time to hunt the puppeteer.

Evadne sighed, glancing at her untouched desk. "He kept things orderly. Pity he chose betrayal."

"Miss Evadne, you still haven't told me—"

"Thaddeus sent the photos."

Jason's eyes widened. "Thaddeus? But he's our competitor. Why help us?"

"Maybe he didn't want Elspeth and Glynnis to win. Or perhaps he thought I'd return the favor."

Her mind drifted to Thaddeus—the man who'd gently brushed her hair that night. A cold laugh escaped her. "I'd sooner trust a ghost. Sending an anonymous email? How predictable."

"So, what's next for Caroline?" Jason asked.

"Even with Kevin's confession, we lack concrete evidence to charge her."

"Who said anything about charging her?" Evadne's gaze turned glacial as she studied the scandalous images. "Send these to Mrs. Smith. I hear she's quite... athletic."

Jason smirked. "Free self-defense training, then?"

Evadne's hand slipped into his suit pocket, fishing for more chocolates. "I've already dealt with her father. No need to get my hands dirtier."

Jason caught her wrist through the fabric, his voice warm but firm. "Miss Evadne, less sugar. Your teeth won't thank you."

That night, Thaddeus lingered in his office, waiting for Gordon's update.

"Mr. Thaddeus! Mrs. Abernathy caught the mole and handed him to the police!"

"Good." His tension eased slightly.

"Do you think she used the intel you sent?"

"Doesn't matter." Thaddeus thought of her—ambitious, cunning. "She didn't need my help. I just sped things up."

He'd underestimated her. In their marriage, he'd dismissed her as ordinary—just a woman who cooked.

How blind he'd been.

The intercom buzzed. "Mr. Thaddeus, President Ashbourne's secretary is here. No appointment."

Gordon scowled. "Send him away—"

"Let him in."

Minutes later, Jason strode in, expression frosty.

"Mr. Thaddeus. A gift from Miss Evadne." He placed a pristine white box on the desk.

Thaddeus didn't glance up. "What is it?"

"A bomb."

Gordon bristled. "You think you're funny?"

Jason smirked. "If it were a bomb, would security have let me through?"

Thaddeus opened the box. Inside sat a lopsided dog-shaped cake—adorably ugly.

A faint smile tugged his lips. "Did she make this?"

Jason scoffed. "Wishful thinking. She bought it. You're not worth her time in the kitchen."

Gordon lunged forward, fists clenched. "You—!"

"Enough." Thaddeus's voice cut like steel. "Why send this?"

"Miss Evadne knows you sent those 'anonymous' files. Consider this a thank you." Jason's tone dripped sarcasm. "And a reminder—she doesn't need your help. Or your pity."

With that, he left.

Gordon fumed. "Insolent—!"

Thaddeus stared at the cake, jaw tight.

She'd seen through him. Again.