Chapter 215

Evelyn watched as Henry gave a firm nod.

The boy had been to Dominic's estate before and clearly enjoyed it there.

His eagerness to return was evident in his bright eyes.

Dominic had noticed his laptop missing from school - a clear sign Evelyn had confiscated it.

The billionaire's suspicions were confirmed - this precocious child in the baseball cap was undoubtedly the elusive hacker.

Though Henry was Evelyn's adopted son, Dominic felt compelled to discipline him.

Yet Sophia's unexpected affection for the boy complicated matters.

A sudden crash shattered the moment, followed by a torrent of violent curses.

The group turned toward the commotion where two men were locked in a brutal fistfight.

Sophia's face went deathly pale as the scene triggered traumatic memories.

Her hands flew to her ears as bloodcurdling screams tore from her throat.

Dominic's chest constricted seeing his sister's distress - she was reliving their childhood abuse.

Scooping Sophia into his arms, he rushed away without a backward glance.

Henry stood frozen, the echo of Sophia's terrified cries haunting him.

Why had she reacted so strongly?

The fight hadn't involved her directly - what trauma lay beneath her reaction?

"This is too dangerous, Henry! We're returning to campus immediately!"

His teacher grabbed his arm and hurried him away from the chaotic scene.

That afternoon found Evelyn at the Eldermere Police Department.

Five years ago, Margaret Thorne's brother James Worthington had embezzled nearly three hundred million from Thornfield Industries before fleeing overseas.

Despite ironclad evidence, local authorities had been powerless - the country he'd escaped to had no extradition treaty with Eldermere.

Worthington had even assumed a new identity abroad.

Evelyn had spent years tracking him through private investigators.

Recent intel finally provided current photos and his exact address.

She'd handed everything over to the police.

Today brought a breakthrough.

"Miss Thorne, we've sent Worthington's old associates to persuade his return," Officer Bradford explained. "Our sources indicate he's nearly bankrupted the stolen funds."

"I don't care about the money - I want justice. My attorneys confirm the amount qualifies for capital punishment, correct?"

"Indeed. We'll arrest him immediately upon re-entry."

"Excellent work, Officer."

Exiting the station, Evelyn breathed deeply - rebuilding Thornfield Industries had been part of her plan to lure him back.

She wanted Worthington to see her newfound wealth firsthand.

A man who stole once would surely try again.

She'd instructed Thornfield's CFO to contact Worthington's circle, planting the illusion of another theft opportunity.

The trap was set.

As Evelyn started her car, her phone rang.

Seeing Wesley's name, she answered immediately. "You're at the airport?"

"Yes. Where are you? I can meet you," Wesley replied.

"I'll come get you."

Thirty minutes later, Evelyn pulled up at Ravenshore International Airport.

After getting Wesley's address, she merged onto the highway.

"How long are you staying this time?" she asked.

"Permanently," he said with a casual shrug. "I resigned to come home."

"That's wonderful! We'll see each other more often," Evelyn said with genuine warmth.

But Wesley's expression darkened.

"Zoe Montgomery contacted me, Evelyn. She's more brazen than I imagined. You should be careful around her."