Chapter 728 Something's Off

Astrid's revelation pieced the puzzle together for me. The Laurence family had been in debt, likely desperate to close a massive financial gap. Their plan? Kidnap a child from the wealthiest family they could target. Jack, as the heir of the McLennon family, was their jackpot. But when the plan shifted, either by luck or misstep, Astrid ended up as collateral damage. And Evelyn? She had been at the wrong place at the wrong time—or so she claimed. Yet something had gone awry, and the Laurence family abandoned their original scheme. Instead, they pivoted to another strategy, tying the two families together through marriage. Astrid stared out the car window, her voice barely audible. "Eva, you wouldn't understand. Growing up, I always felt like people only approached me for their own gain. They all had agendas. When Jack sent me to Manovia, I hated it. I didn't want to leave home, but at least here, no one knew me. I could relax a bit more." She turned to me, her eyes sh