Chapter 341

Evelyn's voice cut through the tension like ice. "Damian, release them."

Damian hesitated, his fingers twitching near his weapon. "As you wish, Ms. Carter." His bow was mocking.

Her glare intensified. "Are you deliberately misunderstanding me?"

Damian's smirk vanished. "Ms. Carter, I apologize for contradicting you." His voice turned wheedling. "But these women represent a significant investment. The financial loss would be-"

"Loss?" Evelyn's laugh held no humor. "You're still trying to negotiate when I'm giving you a chance to walk away alive."

A subordinate rushed in, panic in his eyes. "Boss! The Kingsley forces have the building surrounded. SWAT teams are moving in. We need to evacuate now!"

Damian's face paled. He turned back to Evelyn, defeat warring with fury in his expression. "Fine. Take them. But this isn't over, Ms. Carter."

With a sharp gesture, he signaled his men to abandon their posts. Within moments, only the frightened captives remained.

Dominic and Maxwell arrived within minutes, weapons drawn as they cleared each room. "Eve!" Dominic's voice cracked with barely restrained panic. "Are you hurt?"

She shook her head. "He got away, Dom."

Maxwell already had his comm unit out. "All units, suspect fleeing east in black SUV. License plate-"

"Dominic," Evelyn interrupted, "people like him create cracks in society's foundation. How many more will suffer if we don't stop this now?"

The police took statements while social workers helped the traumatized women contact their families. As Evelyn exited the precinct, a slight figure darted toward her.

"Ms. Carter," an officer explained, "Ms. Winslow refused to call anyone. Insisted on waiting for you."

Evelyn studied the trembling young woman. "Noelle, you're safe now. Why won't you go home?"

Noelle clutched Evelyn's sleeve like a lifeline. "Please...can I stay with you?" Her whisper was barely audible. "I...I ran away."

Evelyn's expression softened. "Whatever made you leave, facing it is safer than being out there alone."

Noelle's silence spoke volumes.

The precinct doors burst open as Adrian rushed in, his usually impeccable appearance disheveled. "Evelyn! When you left the VIP lounge, I thought you just needed air. Then the club got raided and-" His hands hovered over her shoulders, afraid to touch. "Are you alright?"

She offered a tired smile. "Still in one piece. See?"

Adrian's relieved exhale fogged his designer glasses. Behind them, Noelle's grip on Evelyn's arm tightened like she'd found her only anchor in a stormy sea.