Unmasking the Heiress

However, Lydia's appearance was bound to be a game-changer.

It was not just the elusive Lydia. The people with her were all carrying packages, as if they were all in on a secret plan to make a getaway.

The Foster family caught wind of the odd behavior and wasted no time in alerting Evangeline.

The beauty salon was in the complete opposite direction from Emerald of the Highlands, but Evangeline knew what she had to do. Lydia was too important; she held the key to proving her mother's innocence and uncovering the shadowy figures who had taken her. Without hesitation, Evangeline ordered the driver to turn the car around and head for the salon.

Despite her exhaustion, Evangeline felt the weight of the situation was far greater. She could always catch up on sleep after that was all over.

It was that quick decision that kept her off the highway of doom, narrowly dodging a bullet.

Evangeline raced to Sunny Glow Beauty Salon, arriving just as the dust settled from the recent commotion. It was peaceful once again.

Her bodyguard, who had been waiting to meet her, hurried over with an update.

"Miss, we've just received word that our team has caught up with Lydia's car. Should we take her into custody right now?"

She was about to say 'absolutely' but stopped herself. How on earth had Lydia, an old lady, managed to stay under the radar in Avalon City for so long, especially with the Gordons and Fosters watching? It meant only one thing: Lydia had powerful backing, someone who could stand toe-to-toe with both

families.

The Gordons had the South, and the Fosters had the North. For years, the balance of power had been unshakable. Who was that new player on the field?

Lydia's connection to them was the million-dollar question.

As the puzzle pieces clicked into place, Evangeline made a snap decision.

"Let's not tip her off. Keep a tail on Lydia, and I'll make the call when I get there."

"Ms. Evangeline, chasing her down will mean going really fast. Maybe you should..."

The bodyguard glanced at Evangeline's baby bump, clearly worried, and hesitated before offering his advice. "Maybe you should stay here and wait for updates. I'll lead the team myself-"

"No way!" blurted Evangeline without hesitation.

After all, Lydia was the villain who had taken her mother's life. That alone was reason enough for Evangeline to personally ensure Lydia was caught and brought to justice.

Then there was the matter of her pregnancy...

With a hand on her growing belly, Evangeline's face showed a flicker of concern, but her voice was resolute as she declared, "I have to be there this time!

For safety's sake, Evangeline, assisted by her bodyguard, settled into the car's safety seat. She meticulously checked the seatbelt and all the safety features before they embarked on their mission.

In Evangeline's mind, chasing down Lydia did not conflict with keeping her unborn child safe. She was determined to do both.

The highway was a blur as a convoy of identical black cars tore down the road, turning heads with their sleek presence. Evangeline, the cherished young heiress of the Foster family, rode in the second car.

Just then, her bodyguard's phone rang with news from an informant.This belongs © NôvelDra/ma.Org.

"Boss, Lydia's car has ducked onto the Newstead Zone highway, and she's picking up speed. I think she's onto us!"

The urgency in the informant's voice was palpable. The bodyguard glanced at Evangeline.

"Ms. Evangeline, given the situation..."

"Just go for the arrest!"

Evangeline had hoped to nab Lydia and, with her, unearth clues about the mastermind behind it all. However, she knew that if her thirst for those clues allowed Lydia to slip away, she would never forgive herself. Not ever.

The mastermind had managed to keep Lydia hidden in Avalon City for so long without a whisper of her whereabouts, proving they were no ordinary players. If Lydia vanished again, Evangeline was not sure she would be able to track her down once more. ""Got it!"

The informant's voice came through the phone, clear and unwavering. The call ended, and Evangeline issued her commands.

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