Chapter 148

The sudden upheaval in the coffee futures market exploded through financial circles like a detonation.

Isabella Winslow's knuckles whitened around her phone. Her voice trembled with disbelief as she called William West. "How could Kingsley Group have inventory? They were supposed to—"

"We've been played." William's tone was glacial. "Alexander transferred the goods long ago."

Meanwhile, Melissa Lee clutched Julian Ashford's sleeve, her scream bordering on hysteria. "She knew all along, didn't she? That bitch Evelyn Sinclair knew Kingsley's positions!"

Julian impassively withdrew his arm. "I'm aware."

Melissa erupted into manic laughter. "You protect her, yet she watched you lose money without warning!"

"I didn't invest." Julian's reply was calm, but his brow furrowed. He hadn't anticipated William Yearwood's involvement.

Horizon Media's headquarters blazed with light.

Evelyn had just reached the building's entrance when Isabella intercepted her with a phalanx of bodyguards.

"See this?" Isabella flashed her right hand, the diamond engagement ring glittering under the lights. "Alexander proposed to me."

Evelyn's gaze barely flickered across it. "Congratulations."

Isabella's smirk froze. "Aren't you heartbroken?"

"Why would I be?" Evelyn countered, her eyes as unreadable as still waters.

The Financial Department's half-empty workstations sent a jolt through Evelyn.

"Where is everyone?" she asked the remaining team members.

"No one's answering their phones," they murmured, exchanging uneasy glances.

Evelyn immediately turned to the acting Social Affairs Department head. "I need emergency leave."

The supervisor looked up from his monitor. "What's happened?"

"My entire team has gone missing." Evelyn's quiet tone carried steel. "I'm finding them."

After a measured pause, the supervisor warned, "Going alone is too dangerous."

Evelyn secured a tracker to her collar. "I'll be careful."

Minutes after her departure, the Financial Department's doors burst open.

Alexander Kingsley strode in, his suit jacket flaring from the night wind. His sweeping gaze locked onto the Social Affairs supervisor.

"Where's Evelyn?" Urgency vibrated beneath his controlled voice.

"She left the premises."

Alexander advanced, eyes darkening. "Her location. Now."

The supervisor remained guarded. "Lord Alex, Evelyn didn't leak Kingsley's positions."

"I know!" Alexander's shout echoed off the walls. "I just need to know if she's safe!"

His phone screen displayed a newly received anonymous text:

[Five million or Evelyn Sinclair dies.]