Chapter 381
No.1
In the archives, Vincent Sullivan adjusted his reading glasses as he searched. "The butterfly brooch... Found it!"
Alexander took the yellowed catalog, his breath hitching. The brooch in the photo matched the one Evelyn treasured perfectly.
"Will you sell it to me?"
Vincent shook his head. "It was auctioned off a decade ago." He pointed at the record. "Charity auction. Proceeds went to an orphanage."
Alexander studied the date, brow furrowed. The timing was too coincidental.
"Where did you acquire it?"
Vincent’s eyes flickered. "A friend transferred it to me." He lowered his voice. "This wouldn’t happen to belong to your family, would it?"
No.2
Without missing a beat, Alexander fabricated a story. "It’s a family heirloom of a friend. His mother was wearing it when she died..."
Vincent took the bait, vowing to help trace its origins.
When they returned to the courtyard, Ethan was pacing in a sweat.
"Where is she?" Alexander’s voice turned glacial.
Ethan paled. "M-Miss Sinclair... She’s gone."
At the end of the corridor, Evelyn slipped behind an ornate wooden door. She pulled out her phone and dialed swiftly.
"Grandfather Sullivan, it’s Evelyn. About the butterfly brooch—I have crucial information..."
No.3
"Gone?" Vincent Sullivan shot up from his chair, rattling the teacup on the table. "Who is this Miss Sinclair?"
His sharp gaze darted between Alexander Kingsley and Ethan Miller, fingers tightening around the armrest.
Ethan wiped his damp forehead. "She—she just stepped into the restroom. When I turned around, she vanished..."
"You lost track of a young woman?" Vincent roared. "Steward! Fetch the steward now!"
Alexander's brow furrowed slightly. "No need for alarm, Mr. Sullivan. She might be exploring the grounds."
Despite his calm tone, his eyes turned glacial. Ethan shivered under that piercing stare.
"This is my estate!" Vincent slammed the table. "Mr. Kingsley, stay seated!"
No.4
The steward arrived in haste. "Ah, the journalist?"
"Journalist?" Vincent's expression darkened.
The steward hurried to explain. "The reporter who's been requesting an interview. She showed up uninvited today. I meant to send her away, but Lord Alex..."
Vincent whirled toward Alexander, fury blazing in his eyes. "A clever diversion, Mr. Kingsley."
Alexander stiffened.
Evelyn Sinclair came here for an interview?
"I'll find her." He rose to leave.
No.5
"Halt!" Vincent commanded. "Escort our guest out!"
Alexander paused mid-step, then turned and settled back into the antique chair.
"I brought her here." His voice carried quiet intensity. "I'm not leaving without her."
The mansion plunged into eerie silence.
......
Half an hour later, Vincent returned grim-faced.
"Your friend has left."
No.6
Alexander narrowed his eyes. "Confirmed?"
"Young woman in red culottes, correct?" Vincent stated firmly. "The staff saw her depart."
"Security footage?"
"Malfunctioning." Vincent waved dismissively. "I detest surveillance gadgets."
Alexander's gaze flicked to the electrified perimeter fence before he stood to take his leave.
......
The Rolls-Royce idled by the tree-lined path.
No.7
"Keep watch," Alexander ordered, eyes closed.
Ethan blinked. "For what?"
"Until she emerges." Alexander's voice could freeze hell itself.
......
"He's gone."
Vincent sighed outside the courtyard gate.
The wooden door creaked open. Evelyn stepped out.