Chapter 411

Alexander radiated an icy intensity that could freeze the entire parking garage.

His fingers flew across his phone screen as he dialed Lucas. "Are they still inside? Intercept them now!"

Even through the static connection, Lucas could practically feel the lethal chill in Alexander's voice.

He sighed in resignation. "Too late, man. They're already gone."

Alexander's eyes darkened dangerously, his jaw tightening.

Lucas added, "They left just five minutes ago. Want me to check the garage cameras?"

"Don't bother. I'm already here."

Alexander scanned the dimly lit garage, his mind racing. Chasing them to the restaurant now would be pointless—they had slipped away.

Multiple elevators led in and out of the garage, making it impossible to cut them off.

That left only one option.

He would have to wait at the garage's exit toll booth.

Evelyn had stalled for as long as she could, but Alexander still hadn't appeared.

The clock was ticking.

Disappointment settled in Evelyn's chest. The girl clearly hadn't called Alexander.

For days, she had tried every trick—throwing tantrums, making scenes.

Yet Ethan only seemed more amused, his gaze growing darker with fascination.

Evelyn exhaled sharply. If Alexander wasn’t coming, there was no point in dragging this out.

But she refused to leave empty-handed.

The first floor of the mall buzzed with activity, a musical event in full swing. Instruments gleamed under the bright lights.

An idea sparked.

She strode toward the display, her eyes locking onto the cello.

Without hesitation, she sat and drew the bow across the strings.

The rich, melancholic notes filled the air.

Shoppers paused. Phones lifted, capturing the impromptu performance.

Ethan stiffened, realization dawning too late.

The cello was wired to the mall’s speakers. The music echoed through every corridor.

Alexander, stationed at the exit, froze.

That sound—he knew it anywhere.

Evelyn was here.

The annual meeting at Horizon Enterprises was in full swing.

Alexander stepped out of his sleek black car and strode purposefully into the upscale shopping center.

Only a handful of stores specialized in musical instruments, making his search straightforward.

As the final notes of the piano piece faded, the hall erupted in enthusiastic applause.

Ethan Caldwell's eyes gleamed as he gazed at Evelyn Carter—this song held deep significance for him.

It was this very melody, played by Evelyn years ago, that had pulled him back from the brink of unconsciousness after a devastating car crash.

"Is she playing this now… for me?" Ethan’s pulse quickened at the thought.

Overcome with emotion, he took an eager step forward, ready to sweep her into his arms.

Then, without warning, a figure in a black fedora materialized beside him.

A sharp nudge from the man’s elbow made Ethan turn—and freeze.

Zachary Black.

Pulling his hat lower, Zachary muttered under his breath, "Alexander’s coming. Now."

Ethan’s breath hitched. His expression darkened with shock.

Zachary smirked, his voice dripping with mockery. "He's barely three minutes out. Ethan, why don't you make yourself scarce with your little runaway before he arrives?"

Ethan's pulse spiked.

A sharp glance at his bodyguard sent the man into motion, seizing Evelyn's arm to drag her toward the exit.

Ethan turned to follow, but Zachary stepped into his path, blocking him effortlessly.

"Remember that favor you owe me, Ethan?" Zachary's grin was razor-sharp. "Time to pay up."

Ethan's jaw tightened. "What do you want?"

The air crackled with tension.

Evelyn struggled against the bodyguard's grip, her heels scraping the floor.

Somewhere beyond the building's walls, tires screeched to a halt.

Zachary's laugh was low, dangerous. "Oh, nothing much. Just your silence."

Ethan's phone buzzed—Alexander's name flashed on the screen.

Too late.

The doors burst open.

A shadow filled the doorway, broad-shouldered, furious.

Alexander Whitmore had arrived.