Chapter 583

A chilling thought crossed Evelyn's mind. "As vile as Mr. White was, his actions didn't deserve death. He had sinister intentions toward Isabella, but no actual harm came to her. So why did he suddenly take his own life?"

Dominic's face flashed before her eyes.

"Could it have been him?" she wondered.

"After all, it was Dominic who lured Isabella to the Eclipse Lounge that night."

"But that doesn't add up. Mr. White never implicated Dominic to the police. What reason would Dominic have to silence him?"

Alexander's voice snapped her back to reality. "The police investigation concluded it was suicide. But..."

"But it's bizarre, isn't it? Who chooses to end their life by... that method?"

Alexander made a low sound of agreement. "Precisely."

Such brutal self-mutilation seemed less like suicide and more like calculated vengeance.

If this was revenge, the perpetrator must have ties to Isabella.

"Isabella spent years overseas. Who would go to such lengths for her?" Evelyn pondered.

The more she considered it, the more Dominic seemed the only plausible suspect.

As she wrestled with these thoughts, Isabella walked past with her violin case slung across her back.

Evelyn's gaze sharpened. She abruptly ended the call and intercepted her.

"Care to join me for lunch?"

Isabella frowned, visibly startled by the unexpected invitation. "We're hardly close enough for shared meals."

"My meal card's empty," Evelyn replied with practiced nonchalance.

Isabella's reluctance was palpable.

Undeterred, Evelyn added, "Alexander funded your entire music education abroad - we're talking millions. Surely you won't begrudge me a cafeteria meal?" Isabella's eyes narrowed as she studied Evelyn, clearly suspicious of her motives.

Before Isabella could protest further, Evelyn casually grasped her sleeve and steered them toward the dining hall.

With no financial constraints, Evelyn ordered enough food for a small banquet before settling opposite Isabella.

Her extravagance left Isabella utterly perplexed.

Once served, Evelyn attacked her meal with single-minded focus, as if her only purpose was mooching off Isabella's account. Gradually, Isabella's guard lowered. Watching Evelyn eat with such gusto, she eventually picked up her own utensils. It was her money after all - every uneaten bite felt like wasted funds.

When the atmosphere seemed sufficiently relaxed, Evelyn dropped her bombshell. "Mr. White is dead."

Isabella's fork froze mid-air. "What did you say?"

"The man from the Eclipse Lounge. He committed suicide."

Shock flickered across Isabella's features before giving way to a satisfied smile. "Good riddance! Karma's a bitch. But... why would he kill himself?" Evelyn studied Isabella's reaction carefully.

Her surprise appeared genuine, without a trace of deception.

Evelyn had briefly entertained the possibility that Isabella orchestrated revenge, but now dismissed it entirely.

Setting down her fork, Evelyn rose to leave.

"Wait!" Isabella called after her. "We're not finished here. Where are you going?"