Chapter 128: The Only Person Who Loved Her Is Dead
Ryan’s tech team was fast. In less than thirty minutes, files and a clear audio clip were projected onto the wall. They had the paper trail of Octavina transferring money through offshore shell companies to a hitman organization, and a recording of her screaming, "I don't care how you do it, I want that woman dead tonight!"
The evidence was undeniable. Evelyn stared at the name on the screen, her fear fully turning into a cold rage. She held a tablet, her finger hovering over the Send button.
"Once you press this, the Green family’s reputation is finished. Omni’s stock will hit rock bottom," Ryan said, leaning against the table and flicking a lighter. "Are you sure?"
"She earned this," Evelyn said without hesitation. She hit send. "She wanted my life. Now she pays the price."
Suddenly, one of Ryan’s guards burst in, looking panicked. "Boss, we just got word. Director Worth... she escaped Octavina’s men."
Evelyn stood so fast her chair screeched against the floor. "What? Where is she?"
The guard looked at Ryan. "She escaped when the guards were distracted. She doesn't have a phone. She was spotted near the abandoned textile warehouse on the edge of town. That’s where the orphanage kids used to play... she’s looking for you."
"That’s impossible," Ryan said, snapping his lighter shut. "An old woman with a bad leg doesn't just slip past professional guards. It’s a trap. Octavina knows the hit failed, and she’s baiting you."
"I know it’s a trap," Evelyn’s voice trembled. "But I can't risk it. What if she really is there? Octavina is a lunatic."
The Director was the woman who raised her. She was the only grandmother she had ever known. Ryan looked into Evelyn's eyes and saw she wouldn't be stopped.
"Put on a bulletproof vest," Ryan said, grabbing his keys. "I’m going with you. If it’s a trap, we’ll tear it apart."
The rain was still falling. Inside the abandoned warehouse, the air was thick with the smell of mold and rust. Before the car even stopped, Evelyn saw her.
Under a dim light in the center of the warehouse, Director Worth was tied to a broken chair, her mouth taped shut and her silver hair a mess. Behind her stood Octavina, dressed in expensive fur and smoking a long cigarette. She looked elegant and entirely out of place in the filth.
At least a dozen thugs were hidden in the shadows.
"I knew this would work," Octavina said with a twisted smile as Evelyn walked in. "As long as this old bat is breathing, you’ll always come to your death."
"Let her go." Evelyn stepped forward. Ryan stayed right beside her, his gun leveled at Octavina’s head.
"Let her go?" Octavina laughed. She flicked her cigarette onto the Director’s shoulder, making the old woman flinch in pain. "Evelyn, you ruined my son, and now you want to ruin my family. You think I’m letting you walk out of here alive?"
"The evidence is already out," Ryan said coldly. "The police will be here in five minutes. Give up now, and maybe you’ll only spend a few years in prison."
"Then I’ll finish this before they get here!" Octavina shrieked. She stepped back and screamed, "Kill her! Five million to whoever kills that bitch!"
The thugs lunged from the shadows. Gunfire erupted instantly. Ryan kicked over a metal drum for cover, shoved Evelyn behind him, and took down the two closest attackers with precise shots. But his team was pinned down by heavy fire from the perimeter.
In the chaos, a killer who had been hiding in the rafters dropped down with a jagged knife. He aimed straight for the back of Evelyn’s neck. It was a blind spot; Ryan was occupied with the shooters in front and couldn't turn in time.
"Evelyn!"
Just as the blade was about to sink in, Director Worth—somehow finding the strength to snap her loose bindings—lunged forward. The woman who usually needed help just to walk threw her frail body in front of Evelyn.
Squish.
The sound of the blade entering flesh was quiet compared to the gunshots, but it felt like a bomb going off in Evelyn’s ears. The knife sank deep into the Director’s chest.
Time froze. The killer stared for a second before pulling the knife out. Blood sprayed across Evelyn’s face. It was warm and metallic.
"NO!!!" Evelyn wailed.
Director Worth slumped into Evelyn’s arms.
"Director... Grandma..." Evelyn tried to cover the wound with her hands, but the blood wouldn't stop. Life was draining out of her too fast to catch.
The Director’s face was gray, but she had a faint, peaceful smile. She reached up with a wrinkled, calloused hand to touch Evelyn’s tear-stained cheek.
"I was... always a burden... using my useless life... for your safety... it’s a good trade..."
"Evelyn..." the old woman whispered. "Don't cry... my child... my good girl... protect yourself..."
"I’m sorry... I can't stay... you must... find happiness... live... a good life..."
The body in Evelyn's arms grew cold.
"Hahaha!" Octavina’s triumphant laughter echoed from across the room. "Look! That’s what happens when you cross me! The old hag is dead. Saves the nursing home some money!"
Evelyn knelt on the cold concrete, cradling the stiffening body. Her face was a mask of tears and warm blood. Her eyes, once clear, were now empty pits of burning hatred.
Damian’s betrayal hadn't broken her. Sienna’s schemes hadn't crushed her. She had survived every attempt on her life. But they had killed the only person who loved her unconditionally.
The last string of her sanity snapped.