Chapter 445

"I ran into an old friend and we had lunch," Evelyn answered.

"A friend? Who?"

Evelyn rubbed her temples, then her gaze sharpened. "That's not important right now, Sebastian. I need you to dig into the Rivers family—especially Samuel Rivers. Get me everything you can find on him."

"On it, boss!" Without hesitation, he grabbed his phone and made the call.

Evelyn leaned back against the sofa, closing her eyes. At two months pregnant, exhaustion hit her harder than before. Her usual boundless energy had dulled.

For the past month, she'd been staying in Thssa with Sebastian while Seraphina managed things back in New Capital City. Occasionally, Seraphina would visit.

Despite her efforts, Evelyn had hit a dead end in tracing her mother’s identity. According to Gregory’s information, she’d combed through Thssa University’s records—but there was no trace of a student named Vivian Sterling, past or present.

She’d even called Gregory again to confirm, and he’d sworn the name was correct—Vivian Sterling, once the university’s most dazzling beauty.

With no other leads, Evelyn had hoped to meet Raphael Devereaux for more clues. But fate had other plans—his wife fell ill, and he couldn’t attend the exhibition.

Then, out of nowhere, Nathaniel dropped a bombshell about her mother.

Sebastian hung up, excitement in his voice. "Boss, I’ve got the details!"

Evelyn opened her eyes. "Go on."

He read from the report. "The Rivers family is one of New Capital City’s most prestigious lineages. Their ancestors were influential figures who shaped society. Samuel Rivers is the son of William Rivers and Vivian Sterling—who, by the way, comes from a powerful Thssa family."

Vivian Sterling. The name was too close to Vivian Sterling to be a coincidence. Gregory hadn’t been wrong—her mother must have used a nickname among friends.

"Keep going," Evelyn said after a pause.

"Later, Vivian Sterling was disowned when the Rivers discovered she’d had an affair and bore another man’s child. To avoid scandal, they declared both mother and daughter missing."

Evelyn’s frown deepened. "That’s impossible."

Her mother—kind, gentle—would never do such a thing. Sebastian fell silent, sensing her turmoil. He’d guessed the moment she asked about the Rivers that they were tied to her mother’s disappearance.

Evelyn pressed her fingers to her brow, then finally spoke. "Sebastian, check what positions are open at Rivers Group."

He blinked, then quickly searched. "Boss, they’re hiring a personal secretary for Samuel Rivers."

Her eyes narrowed. Decision made. "Pack your things. We’re returning to New Capital City tomorrow."

Sebastian’s face creased with worry. "You’re not seriously applying for that job, are you?"

"Absolutely."

"But Samuel’s notorious for being impossible to work with. And after everything that’s happened between you two—he’ll make your life hell."

"He’s my best shot at finding my mother," Evelyn said firmly. "I’ll take the risk."