Chapter 169
No.1
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!"
No.2
As tensions peaked, a weak voice called from inside: "Mom... Grandma... What are you doing?"
"Evan!"
"Evan! Are you alright? Who locked you in here?"
"Was it that woman?"
"Where is she? Make her show herself!"
Evan Wells' mother and grandmother rushed forward in agitation.
Triad Hyde's men grew impatient, shoving the Wells family aside as one grabbed Evan's collar. "Where's Ms. Sinclair? Why are you alone?"
No.3
"What did you do to her?"
"Start talking!"
"How dare you?" The grandmother shrieked, lunging at them. "Are you that woman's lackeys sent to harm my grandson?"
Before anyone could react, the elderly woman collapsed dramatically onto the floor.
"Assaulting the elderly! Murder! That woman wants to destroy our entire family—"
Triad's men immediately backed away. "We never touched her. Everyone saw that."
Seizing the opportunity, the grandmother scrambled up and grabbed the factory door. "Don't be afraid, Evan! Grandma's here to save you!"
No.4
She flopped back down wailing whenever anyone approached.
Evan... silently observed his grandmother's performance.
Once the commotion outside settled, he leisurely produced a key and unlocked the factory door.
The crowd stared in stunned silence.
"Evan!" The grandmother embraced him, inspecting every inch for injuries.
Horizon Media and Triad's men stormed inside but soon returned empty-handed. "Where's Evelyn Sinclair?"
Evan blinked in confusion. "Editor Sinclair? Why are you looking for her?"
No.5
"Wasn't she the one who kidnapped you?" The grandmother stamped her foot. "We'll sue her for abducting a minor!"
Evan hastily covered her mouth. "Grandma, I'm an adult!"
"You'll always be our child!" she declared stubbornly. "You haven't even graduated yet!"
"Don't be afraid," his mother chimed in. "We'll protect you. Tell us what that woman did to you."
Evan was utterly baffled. "What are you talking about? What happened to Editor Sinclair?"
"Didn't she—" The grandmother lowered her voice. "Didn't she try to take advantage of you, luring you here to have her way?"
Evan's jaw dropped.
No.6
He'd expected slander against Evelyn, but not this direction.
"That's impossible! Editor Sinclair and I have a purely professional relationship! Who fed you these lies?"
"Wasn't it you?" His mother showed a screenshot. "You said she harassed you, even touched your face?"
Evan went pale.
Damn it!
If he'd known this would happen, he'd have bitten his tongue off back then!
His silence was mistaken for admission.
No.7
The grandmother wailed, slapping her thighs. "Did she claim to be pregnant to trap you? Foolish boy! It's barely been days—how could she be pregnant? She's trying to extort you!"
Evan flushed crimson.
"Stop this nonsense!" Everyone at Horizon knew Evelyn was the Ashford family's treasure.
If anyone was marrying into wealth, it'd be the Ashfords. What did the Wells family have to do with it?
"Bring her out! We'll confront her directly! How dare a woman in her twenties prey on our nineteen-year-old son!"
Triad's men grew agitated. "Ms. Sinclair clearly said she'd be here. Tell us the truth!"
The two sides began arguing again.