Cassandra remained motionless.

Her mind raced with quiet suspicion.

Could it be Alexander?

No.

That was impossible.

He couldn't possibly care that much about Evelyn. To him, she was just a temporary amusement. Nothing more.

Besides, Evelyn didn't even know his true identity.

"I'm not sure," Julian's voice crackled with frustration through the phone. "It appears to be a friend of Evelyn's."

If he had known Evelyn had such powerful connections, he would never have listened to Genevieve. He never would have gotten involved in this disaster.

Cassandra let out a soft breath. Her shoulders relaxed slightly.

Just as she suspected. This had nothing to do with Alexander.

If this threat was merely one of Evelyn's friends, then it was nothing to fear.

What significant allies could someone like Evelyn possibly have? She had no status, no background, no real power.

A quiet, disdainful sound escaped Cassandra's lips. She sneered. "Julian, don't be foolish. If you act recklessly, you will live to regret it."

On the other end, Julian hesitated.

He couldn't afford to anger the mysterious man. But he also couldn't risk defying Cassandra.

His own survival was paramount now.

"I haven't said a word," he said hurriedly. "I left the moment I felt threatened. That's why I called you. Whatever plan you have, I'll follow it."

Cassandra paused briefly. "Don't worry. We're in this together. I will ensure your protection. Come to me now. We will devise a strategy."

She ended the call. Her expression turned grim. A deep unease settled in her chest.

Julian was already considering a public apology. She had to prevent that. At all costs.

If he surrendered, their alliance would crumble before they could even destroy Evelyn.

Beside her, Genevieve's face was pale with panic. "Cassandra, what do we do now?" she blurted out. "If this gets out, I'm finished too! You have to help me. You were the one who approached me about Evelyn first."

Cassandra drew a sharp breath. Irritation flashed in her eyes.

She turned a cold gaze on Genevieve. Her disdain was barely concealed. This woman was an utter fool.

She had made a grave error allying with Genevieve. And Julian—he was proving to be just as weak.

If Genevieve hadn't introduced him, Cassandra would never have entrusted something this important to such a coward.

A sly, calculating glint appeared in her eyes.

Perhaps it was time to sever ties with them both.

If she played this correctly, she could eliminate these two liabilities before they dragged her down with them.

The thought brought her a sense of relief.

For the past hour, she had been worrying needlessly. Julian and Genevieve were not real threats. They were weak, predictable, and easily managed. There were countless ways to deal with them.

This time, Cassandra would be victorious.

Meanwhile, across the city, Julian sat frozen. His phone felt warm in his trembling hand. He looked up, his throat dry. Across from him, Alexander watched him in utter silence.

"I did what you asked," Julian whispered, his voice hoarse. "You heard Cassandra. She wants me to come to her now."

Alexander's face was an unreadable mask.

He had instructed Julian to call Genevieve as a test. He hadn't expected to hear Cassandra's voice on the line.

So, she was the mastermind behind it all.