Chapter 2

Splash—

The cold water engulfed me instantly.

"Help! Somebody, help!" I surfaced, coughing and flailing my arms as though I were struggling to stay afloat.

"Evelyn!" Lucas broke free from the watch that had been holding his attention and rushed to the edge of the pool, panic written on his face.

"Evelyn!"

I slowly dragged myself onto the poolside, drenched and trembling, collapsing onto the cold tiles in a pitiful heap.

"Are you okay? Are you hurt?" His hand rested on my back, patting lightly, though I could feel the impatience trembling in his fingertips. His plan had failed, and it was eating at him.

From behind him, Lila's voice rang out, high-pitched and laced with faux concern. "Lucas! My gosh!"

She rushed over, lifting the hem of her dress delicately as if her appearance mattered more than the situation. When her eyes landed on my soaked and shivering form, she gasped dramatically, covering her mouth.

"Evelyn! How did you fall in? You must be freezing!" she exclaimed, stepping closer as if to offer help.

"Lila," I said softly, my voice steady despite my trembling body. "You have such perfect timing."

Her movements faltered, and her expression stiffened for just a moment before she quickly recovered.

"I was worried about you two, so I decided to check on you," she said, reaching out to grab my arm. As she helped me to my feet, she leaned in close, her voice dropping to a vicious whisper.

"Evelyn, did you do that on purpose?"

I allowed her to steady me, my body still shaking slightly, but my voice remained calm as I replied, "And if I did?"

Her eyes widened in shock, a flicker of panic in their depths.

I stared right back at her, my own voice now a quiet, biting whisper. "What's the rush, Lila? Afraid your precious Lucas won't get his hands on my inheritance? Worried there won't be enough money left for you to buy your handbags—or pay off your father's gambling debts?"

"You—" Her face turned bright red, and her voice trembled with anger, but no words came out.

I pulled my arm free from her grasp and stumbled a few steps back, putting distance between us. Just then, the phone lying on the edge of the pool buzzed. The screen lit up with a new message.

"Item damaged. Buyer is extremely dissatisfied. Transaction canceled."

I stared at the message for a moment, then slowly lifted my eyes to meet Lucas's. His gaze was locked on the phone. His face looked pale, and his expression was a mix of terror and despair that he couldn't hide.

Five million dollars was gone just like that.

A smile tugged at the corners of my lips. My plan had worked perfectly.

Before I could savor the moment, my phone buzzed again. Another message lit up the screen.

"Buyer has issued new instructions. Deliver the item to Room 2808. Failure to comply will result in severe consequences."