Chapter 4

Vincent Lowell and his two companions froze in place, their eyes wide with shock.

The shovel was deeply embedded in the brick floor, with cracks radiating outward like a spider's web. If Evelyn Laurent had struck a person with that force, their bones would have shattered instantly.

"What are you waiting for?" Evelyn flexed her wrist. "Weren't you going to take me to the police station?"

The officers snapped out of their daze and quickly restrained her. Surprisingly, the fierce young woman became completely compliant, quietly boarding the police car.

Brandon Lowell followed unsteadily, his face swollen and his steps faltering. Vincent and Sophia Lowell were busy loading the unconscious Margaret Hill into an ambulance.

Inside the police interrogation room, Evelyn sat calmly. Her delicate fingers interlaced on the table, presenting an innocent facade.

"Start talking!" The officer slammed his hand on the table.

"They attacked first." Evelyn didn't even lift her gaze. "I have proof."

She pulled a flash drive from her pocket and slid it across. It contained footage of Brandon's predatory behavior over the years, along with bank records showing the Lowell family withholding her living expenses.

The officer frowned. "That's not what we're asking about. Someone reported you for burying a body!"

Evelyn's head snapped up. "I was burying stray animals!"

She immediately realized it must have been that meddling man from last night. The thought made her grind her teeth.

After verifying her story, the officers led her to a waiting room. Protocol required a guardian to collect her.

Evelyn leaned against the sofa, tapping her fingers impatiently on the armrest. She had no guardian left—Vincent had even DNA tested her himself, eager to be rid of his troublesome responsibility.

Meanwhile, in the top-floor conference room of Sullivan Group...

Ethan Sullivan had just picked up a document when his assistant rushed in. "Mr. Sullivan, the police called—"

Thirty minutes later, Ethan stood in the police station hallway, studying the intake form. Evelyn Laurent, 17, from White Rock Village.

His eyes narrowed. Wasn't this the person he was supposed to collect?

When the waiting room door opened, Evelyn tensed like a wary cat. Recognizing him, she sneered. "So it was you."

Ethan gave a slight nod. "A misunderstanding. I'm here to take you home."

"Home?" Evelyn scoffed. "I don't have one."

She followed Ethan outside, arching an eyebrow at the black Maybach. The driver paled when he saw her.

"See a ghost?" she said coldly.

The driver forced a laugh, sweat beading on his back. This girl could smash bricks with her bare hands!

Once inside the car, Evelyn cut straight to the point. "Who are you?"

Ethan adjusted his cufflinks calmly. "Your fiancé."

The air turned to ice.

Evelyn grabbed the door handle. "Stop the car."

"Don't be rash." Ethan caught her wrist. "Your parents abroad asked me to look after you."

"I don't need it." She shook him off. "And I definitely don't need a fiancé."

Ethan suddenly smiled. "Good. I don't want a fiancée either."

Their eyes met—and for once, they agreed on something.