Chapter 419

Evelyn found herself at a loss for words when Natalie delivered the shocking news. "Isabella's gone," Natalie's text read, the words glaring from her phone screen.

Her fingers trembled as she typed back. "What do you mean disappeared?"

The reply came swiftly. "My operative saw her exit a vehicle at the hospital entrance. Then a black sedan pulled up and she was taken."

Evelyn's nails dug into her palms.

"Kidnapped?"

"Professionals," Natalie confirmed. "They moved like shadows. By the time my man reacted, she'd vanished."

"Understood."

The call ended, leaving Evelyn staring at the operating theater doors where Nathan remained in surgery. Isabella's appearance proved her connection to the Delaneys ran deeper than anyone suspected.

But who would dare abduct her?

Midnight draped the hospital in silence, broken only by the rhythmic beeping of monitors. Then footsteps echoed from the emergency stairwell.

A hooded figure emerged, face obscured by a medical mask. Only piercing eyes were visible as she slipped into the VIP suite.

Juliette moved with practiced stealth toward the bed where Alistair lay fighting for his life. Seeing her grandfather's weakened state, tears welled in her eyes.

"Grandfather...I've come home."

She clasped his frail hand, remembering the titan who'd once ruled their empire. "I'll restore our family's glory," she whispered. "Every sacrifice you made - I'll honor it."

Her voice hardened. "Those who hurt you will pay. Just hold on. Wait for me."

As she turned to leave, blinding lights flooded the room. Juliette spun toward the doorway where Nathan leaned casually against the frame, his dark gaze unreadable.

"You're still here?" she snapped, masking her shock with irritation.

Nathan pushed off the door, his lips quirking. "Remarkable recovery for a man who survived ten-hour bypass surgery. With proper care, he'll walk out soon."

"Should I thank you?" Juliette's laugh held no warmth. "But gratitude isn't what I feel, Nathan."

His eyebrow arched. "Five years vanished with a new identity. Why resurface now?"

"Don't play dumb!" Her fists clenched. "Look what you let happen to my family! You promised to protect Isabella - where is she? What has that witch Evelyn done with her?"

Juliette hadn't planned this return. She'd meant to bury Jessica Landon forever. But some debts demanded payment in blood.