Chapter 186

"Evelyn's just some country bumpkin. What's so special about her?"

Sophia clutched the thin blanket around her shoulders, speaking cautiously.

Sebastian's gaze turned icy. His slender fingers gripped her chin. "Go change. You're leaving for San Francisco immediately."

"W-why San Francisco?" The question slipped out before she could stop herself.

A sharp slap echoed through the room.

"Have you forgotten my rules?" Sebastian's voice was laced with venom. "Don't ask questions that don't concern you."

Sophia bit her lip until she tasted blood. Trembling, she nodded and stumbled toward the bathroom.

The mirror reflected a woman with tear-streaked cheeks and bruises covering her body. Last night, Sebastian had tortured her like a madman. Every inch of her skin throbbed with pain.

She muffled her sobs with a towel.

Sebastian held her family's fate in his hands. Her father's medical bills. The survival of the Lowell empire. All depended on his whims.

She wiped her tears, expertly concealing the bruises with makeup. A practiced smile curved her lips.

"Ethan took Evelyn to the physics symposium," Sebastian said abruptly.

Sophia's pulse jumped.

"I heard they're both Professor Klein's prized students..." She kept her eyes down, nails digging into her palms.

Sebastian's expression darkened. "Once you're in San Francisco, find a way to separate Evelyn from the group."

A chill ran down Sophia's spine.

What was this monster planning?

But she could only nod. The consequences of defiance were unthinkable.

Three hours later, outside Culture Plaza.

Ethan opened the car door for Evelyn. "The symposium doesn't start for a while. Shall we grab lunch first?"

"Whatever." Evelyn's reply was indifferent.

Once Harrison tactfully excused himself, Ethan reached for her hand.

Evelyn pulled away with a frown. "Just lead the way."

Her fingertips still tingled from his touch. She pretended not to notice the flicker of hurt in his eyes.