Chapter 302

Julian Roscente's lips curled into a bitter smile. "Dr. Lee made it clear. Only Dr. Z can cure my blindness."

Arthur Roscente remained silent.

Julian continued, "Father, our assets in Vienna may seem substantial, but they're nothing compared to the top conglomerates. If even they can't secure Dr. Z's services, what hope do we have?"

His vision might never return.

Arthur's eyes reddened. "Julian, was Evelyn truly your savior?"

"If she hadn't appeared when she did, that axe would have killed me."

Arthur's expression darkened abruptly.

He'd been wrong.

Who sent that mysterious text?

Just a string of eerie numbers. Technologically masked, untraceable even by IP address.

"Rest now. I'll find a way to contact Dr. Z."

Julian sensed his father's unease. Before he could inquire, retreating footsteps answered instead.

His lips parted. No words came.

......

Langley Mansion.

Isabella Langley adjusted her headphones, listening to Warren Garten's latest recording.

A flicker of surprise crossed her face when it ended.

Arthur hadn't suspected Evelyn.

Interesting.

Far more competent than that fool Vincent Ashcroft.

Her fingers flew across the screen: [Release the Roscente family scandal. That illegitimate son should do nicely.]

Warren responded instantly: [Found him. Marcus Roscente. Longstanding feud with Julian. Though Arthur despises the boy—product of a calculated seduction during his marriage.]

Isabella's laugh dripped ice. "Love? What kind of devotion includes infidelity?"

Message sent, she tossed the phone into her bag.

From the second-floor window, the once-lush trees stood decimated.

Her entanglement with Adrian Valentine had reached its conclusion.

Though the engagement fell through, public opinion favored her.

Arms crossed, she arched a flawless brow. "Adrian Valentine, do you love me?"

The answer mattered little. Her own feelings were undeniable.

......

Dusk found Evelyn Roland dragging exhausted limbs home.

After assisting Sebastian Orlando with medicinal formulations at the lab, she'd sent Victoria Laurent to deliver them before returning.

Gabrielle Flores practically vibrated with excitement at the door. "Sis! Breaking news! Arthur Roscente's love child just trended!"

Evelyn frowned.

Arthur was renowned for doting on his wife. An illegitimate son?

The puppeteer had made their move.

Gabrielle leaned in conspiratorially. "Rumor says Julian's blindness prompted Arthur to recall the bastard as heir. Think it's true?"