Chapter 92

"Why am I still breathing?" Evelina's mouth curved into an unsettling smirk. "Because I haven't finished eliminating all of you yet."

The four kidnappers quaked, panic visible in their eyes.

Security personnel from the Russell household arrived promptly, restraining the attackers with practiced ease.

Jasper gave instructions for an in-depth investigation to identify their identities and the mastermind behind the ambush.

"Jasper, are you alright? Did you get hurt? I was really terrified..."

Aurora walked toward him, her steps elegant, voice coated in concern.

He found her presence draining but kept his reaction subtle.

Given what she'd just endured, she was understandably shaken. If she fainted again, he'd be forced to deal with the aftermath.

Crack!

A shot whizzed past Aurora's face, grazing her skin and striking the artwork behind her.

She stood frozen, paralyzed with shock.

The canvas clattered to the floor with a loud thud.

Only then did she snap out of it, turning her head in slow motion.

"Are you trying to murder me?"

Her stare-once full of pride and scorn-now flickered with genuine terror as it landed on Evelina. Oops, did I hurt you?" Evelina cooed, her tone a perfect mockery of Aurora's usual sweetness. "My bad,Miss Marsh.I thought this rifle was a replica. I didn't think it'd actuallyfire."

Pretending to be alarmed, she handed the weapon back to the guards.

She placed a hand over her heart, feigning innocence. "Goodness, that gave me a fright. Lucky no one got injured. I'm sure a refined lady like you wouldn't hold a little accident against me."

She then dashed to Jasper, playfully pouting. "This sniper isn't any fun. Next time, teach me how to hit moving targets with a pistol instead."

Her performance was so flawless, Jasper almost laughed. He patted her shoulder lightly and replied,"Sure,whatever you want."

Aurora seethed quietly, furious with jealousy.

Evelina's aim had nearly ended her life-and she had the gall to pretend it was a mistake?

That insufferable woman was sending a message: come near Jasper again, and the next bullet will land between your eyes.

And Jasper, who had seen everything, chose to ignore it.

"Aurora, you've had a rough night. You should lie down for a bit."

Instead of protecting her, Jasper seemed eager to get rid of her and instructed the guards totake her back to her quarters.

But Aurora couldn't allow Evelina to tighten her grip on Jasper.

"I'm alright. Let me stay and assist."

Jasper shut her down instantly. "Evelina and I can handle this."

He may as well have said she was irrelevant.

Aurora bit her lower lip, unwilling to back down. "Mara's assigned to protect me. I need answers. Otherwise,how will I explain this to Grandmother?" She dropped her grandmother's name, hoping it would earn some consideration.

But Jasper remained unmoved. "That's precisely why you shouldn't get involved."

Aurora's expression crumpled, eyes glassy with unshed tears. "Jasper..."

He didn't respond, and Evelina behaved as though she didn't even exist.

Just then, a guard returned holding a mask they'd found in Mara's belongings.

The material was identical to that worn by the assailants.

Though Mara had taken a bullet, she was still alive and receiving medical care as a doctor had already come to treat her wound and put her on an IV.

"Is this yours?" Evelina asked, lifting the mask to Mara's face.

It was clearly too large for her delicate features.

"I made it that size on purpose. I wanted to aim big," Mara whispered hoarsely, justifying her choice.

Locking eyes with Evelina, she asked, "When did you start plotting this?"

The plan had seemed airtight. So how had it fallen apart so completely?