Chapter 871
Chapter 870:
Jason had claimed he’d removed his mask for Death Thorn. To Irene, that could only signal progress between them. What other reason could there be for revealing his face unless he intended to see Death Thorn in person right away? The idea sent a wave of satisfaction rushing through Irene.
Cole’s behavior of late had been baffling—forgetting Elliana entirely right before her death, and then, just as Irene was fuming over his engagement to the Campbell daughter, news broke that he and Eva had already fallen out. While Eva had never truly been welcomed by the Campbell family, a falling out still meant the last thread of any marriage alliance between Eva and Cole had been cut.
Irene smirked as she surmised that Cole’s prospects for securing a powerful match were in shambles, but Jason’s path seemed far brighter. He stood at the threshold of marrying Death Thorn. Once Death Thorn became part of the family, Irene was certain she and Death Thorn could align their efforts to drive Cole out. Removing Cole would clear the way for Jason to claim the position of Evans family head without resistance.
The more Irene envisioned it, the greater her delight. Her thoughts turned to how she could charm Death Thorn into seeing her as the ideal mother-in-law, and from there, how the two of them could work together to “shape” Jason into the perfect successor.
When Irene reentered the living room, she carried herself with her usual arrogant presence. She swept a cold, imperious glance over the others before making her way up the stairs, humming a cheerful tune under her breath. Bertram’s brow creased as he followed her retreat with his eyes. Whatever plan she had formed, he was still in the dark.
The rest exchanged wary looks. Irene had rushed out earlier with anxiety written across her face, yet a short talk with Jason had brought her back brimming with smug confidence. The shift was unsettling. What could Jason have told her?
For a brief moment, the mood in the room grew thick and uneasy.
After Irene disappeared upstairs, Taylor rose from his seat and left the estate. Given his erratic work schedule, no one questioned it, assuming his agent had called with yet another demand on his time.
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The reality, however, was far different.
Taylor had a nagging sense that something about Jason was off, and his instincts kept linking this oddness to Lilah. Acting on impulse, he slid into his car and began following Jason.
Having just wrapped a film shoot overseas, Taylor had no upcoming projects or set schedules. Restless and craving a bit of thrill, he decided that shadowing Jason to uncover his secrets might be the most entertaining way to pass the time.
Not long after Taylor left, Jeff rushed out of the estate as well—his target was Darling. Earlier, at four o’clock, Darling had been playing with him without a care, only to suddenly dart away from the house and refuse to return despite his repeated calls.
Afraid the cat might end up a stray again or meet some other misfortune, Jeff sprinted after it. The chase dragged them farther and farther from the estate grounds.
Darling kept racing ahead, seemingly tireless, while Jeff struggled to match its pace. By the time Jason reached the estate gates, he was doubled over and gasping, every bit of energy drained.
Just as the cat was about to vanish from sight, Jeff stamped his foot in frustration. His expression twisted with worry, and tears threatened to spill from his eyes.