Chapter 156

Melissa Lee's carefully designed assignment was indeed a trap in disguise.

"Let's get to work." Evelyn Sinclair clapped her hands calmly, as if she had anticipated this outcome.

"What work?" Evan Wells looked utterly confused.

"First, we dismantle the surveillance cameras."

Evan's eyes widened. "?"

This abandoned factory actually had cameras installed?

......

"What an unexpected visit, Lord Alex." Triad Hyde puffed on his pipe, deliberately tapping ashes everywhere.

Alexander Kingsley's piercing gaze locked onto him.

"I'm here for Evelyn Sinclair."

Triad Hyde made a show of cleaning his ear. "Who?"

His feigned ignorance was masterful.

"I know she's working for you." Alexander waited for the ashes to settle before leaning forward slightly.

"No idea what you're talking about." Triad Hyde snorted.

Alexander's intel network was impressive.

He'd already discovered the new asset by his side?

These capitalists just couldn't stand others succeeding.

"Where is she now?" Alexander pressed.

Triad Hyde ignored him, continuing to blow smoke rings.

"She vanished after interviewing PetStar two days ago. Rumor at Horizon Media claims she eloped with an intern." Alexander's voice turned icy.

This was his oversight.

After their last conversation, he'd deliberately kept his distance, testing whether he could quit his obsession with her.

When he finally gave in to checking on her again, she'd disappeared without a trace.

Even more absurd—the internal gossip painted Evelyn as seducing a junior intern, the two allegedly running away together.

The rumors grew wilder, claiming she'd gotten pregnant to force the intern to choose between her and his education.

Ethan Miller had gaped in disbelief while reporting this.

If even Ethan found it ridiculous, Julian Ashford's reaction was telling.

The normally composed Julian personally met with the intern's family to vouch for Evelyn while secretly searching for her.

Julian's uncharacteristic behavior alerted Alexander to the severity of the situation.

He was certain Triad Hyde knew something.

But the crime boss was clearly determined to oppose him.

Alexander slid a check across the table. "Kingsley Group will compensate your coffee bean losses."

Triad Hyde glanced at it.

Damn!

A cool hundred million, just like that.

He'd lost eighty million, and Alexander was throwing in an extra twenty.

Was Evelyn really that valuable?

Pocketing the check, Triad Hyde grinned. "Appreciate your generosity, Lord Alex. But... I truly don't know this person you speak of!"

Not a word would leave his lips.

Alexander left empty-handed.

The moment he was gone, Triad Hyde ordered his men: "Retrieve Evelyn Sinclair exactly at the agreed time. Remember—not a single hair harmed!"

Meanwhile, Horizon Media had mobilized their own search party.

PetStar's factory was located in a remote mountainous area, four hours from Kingsbury.

Its marketing had emphasized pristine natural environments, a concept that initially set it apart.

......

The two groups collided at the factory gates.

Horizon's contingent was led by Evan's mother and grandmother, backed by PR, legal, and compliance staff.

The women blocked the entrance aggressively. "The moment that door opens, grab that vixen! How dare she seduce our Evan? I'll tear her face off!"

Triad Hyde's tattooed enforcers cracked their knuckles. "Who let these harpies in? Back off! Anyone touches Miss Sinclair answers to us!"

As tensions peaked, a weak voice called from inside: "Mom... Grandma... What are you doing?"