Chapter 381

Adrian strode to her side, his gaze burning with intensity. "How did you crack it?"

A flicker of admiration flashed in his eyes.

This was his third attempt. The previous two had ended in failure.

Evelyn's lips curved into a sly smile.

Her slender fingers danced lightly across the safe's keypad.

Adrian's stare remained fixed on her face, but she seemed oblivious.

"It's a numeric cipher," she murmured. "921314—the Eternal Code. It means 'cherished for eternity.'"

"His computer password followed the same pattern."

She'd played similar number games during university.

Every digit held a special meaning.

Adrian fell silent.

Who knew the old fox had such sentimental tendencies?

The safe clicked open.

Neatly stacked documents inside made his breath hitch.

Evelyn turned, her expression unreadable. "Mr. Valentine, we're even now."

She was referring to the life debt from before.

Adrian's eyes darkened like spilled ink.

"Ms. Roland, saving a life warrants repayment with one's person."

Evelyn ignored him. "Focus on the files first."

They worked swiftly, photographing evidence.

An agreement was made to share the findings later.

Evelyn moved with precision, capturing the crucial list.

A flash drive slipped from one folder.

She immediately produced a data cable.

Her phone screen lit up as the transfer began.

Zachary's call interrupted abruptly.

Dominic had returned.

"Take the drive now," Evelyn decided instantly.

Adrian gripped her wrist. "Too risky."

His voice was low and edged with steel.

The data volume was too large for a quick transfer.

Evelyn prepared to grab it anyway.

Adrian tightened his hold. "Wait."

His gaze held depths that unsettled her.

Something about it felt strangely familiar.

While waiting, she flipped open a yellowed notebook.

Its pages were crammed with records from twenty years ago.