Chapter 570

“Carlos?”

Caitlin’s eyes widened in shock. “What did you find?”

“Remember how we suspected that Forrest might actually be Carlos, using another identity to escape, which made it impossible for Departure City’s police to track him down?”

Caitlin nodded.

Sebastian continued, “Do you remember our earlier investigation into The Silent Order’s underground money laundering operation in Departure City?”

“This is connected to The Silent Order?”

“Our intel indicates Carlos is heavily involved in that underground ring. He’s likely the one running the operation. From our interrogation of a few arrested suspects, we learned that Carlos made his fortune as a junket agent.”

“A junket agent?”

“Yeah. Those guys who work in casinos–bringing in new clients, encouraging them to gamble, and offering loan services. Their income comes from commissions and the cut they get from referred bets.”

Sebastian’s explanation gave Caitlin new insight into Carlos’s background.

“If Carlos really is behind the underground operation, that would explain why he’s been hiding out in Departure City all these years. Besides watching Timothy, he’s been using this shady setup to build his empire. If ever discovered, he could vanish again using a new identity or through his money laundering channels.”

“That’s exactly what we’re thinking,” Sebastian nodded. “At the very least, we’ve confirmed that Carlos and The Silent Order have a symbiotic relationship.”

Caitlin narrowed her eyes. “Then is it possible… Forrest, Carlos… could actually be Zero–Dustin–the mastermind of The Silent

Order?”

Sebastian furrowed his brow.

“There’s no hard evidence yet to prove they’re the same person. We won’t know for sure until we either catch Dustin or unmask Carlos.”

Ever since their last conflict with The Silent Order, its members had gone underground. Finding Dustin would be no easy task.

Caitlin thought for a moment. “Back when we investigated The Silent Order, we found ties to the money laundering network. Have we traced their financial routes? I’m guessing this thing crosses borders and involves multiple countries. That’s where we need to keep digging.”

“You’re right. I’ve already sent a team to follow that lead.”

Their discussion ended, and Caitlin went to change. She slipped into a beige tailored blazer with wide–leg trousers. Her high ponytail gave her a crisp, confident aura.

Sebastian had already changed into a dark navy vintage–style bespoke suit. Caitlin stepped up to help him with his tie, eyeing him with approval. “Looking sharp.”

Sebastian smirked and wrapped an arm around her waist. “Let’s go.”

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The Annual Philanthropy Awards Ceremony was held at the largest theater in New York.

Only 25 people had been nominated for the prestigious title of Philanthropist of the Year. Alongside them, other notable figures in charitable circles were also invited to attend.

The media had long gathered outside the venue, where a red carpet and signature wall awaited guests–an event with all the glamour of a film festival.

Everyone invited was allowed to walk the red carpet and leave their signature on the wall.

Ximena had also received an invitation. To redeem her daughter’s public image, she had been involved in a string of charitable efforts–some under the XEG name, others under Zora’s. As a result, both mother and daughter were included in the guest list.

Zora wore a white evening gown designed by XEG itself. The fabric shimmered under the lights, catching every eye with its

brilliance.

She attended tonight as the CEO of XEG, determined to outshine everyone.

Unlike showbiz red carpets where celebrities competed for attention, this event was about grace and contribution. But Zora only had one target to outdo: Caitlin.

She walked the red carpet like a seasoned star, changing poses as photographers snapped away.

Many reporters tried to interview her, focusing on past scandals, but Zora brushed them off with polite smiles.

That was, until she ran into Connor.

Given the previous rumors between them, reporters scrambled to capture their awkward encounter.

Connor had been sent to represent The Jackson Family, who had also been active in philanthropy. Upon seeing Zora, he made no attempt to greet her. Instead, he darted to the opposite side of the carpet, pretending not to know her.

They didn’t exchange a single word, but the awkwardness radiated from the photos taken.

Just then, a Rolls–Royce pulled up at the far end of the red carpet.

With the crowd erupting into cheers, all eyes turned toward the car.

“Mr. Vanderbilt!”

“Caitlin!”

As soon as Sebastian and Caitlin stepped out hand in hand, the media lost their minds. Flashbulbs exploded. Cameras zoomed in. Every lens was fixed on the couple.

With calm smiles, Sebastian and Caitlin waved to the crowd.

To the outside world, they looked every bit the perfect power couple.

Zora’s smile froze the moment she saw them. Hatred filled her eyes.

15:18 Tue, 2 Sept

Seeing Caitlin bask in the spotlight yet again made Zora boil inside–but there was nothing she could do about it.

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Caitlin and Sebastian walked down the red carpet to the signature wall. Connor spotted Sebastian and immediately handed him a pen with deference.

“Mr. Vanderbilt, please–you first.”

Ximena had waited as well. She approached them with a polite smile. “Caitlin, Mr. Vanderbilt. Nice to see you again.”

“Ximena.”

Caitlin nodded, her eyes drifting to Zora beside her.

Zora purposefully avoided her gaze, looking elsewhere.

Caitlin smiled faintly. “Miss Harris, you look absolutely radiant tonight. Seems you put a lot of thought into your look.”

Zora couldn’t ignore her. If she did, she’d only come across as petty.

“Yes, tonight is a big occasion. Naturally, I wanted to be prepared.”

She glanced over Caitlin’s outfit and sneered subtly. “Though Caitlin, you look quite… casual tonight, don’t you think?”

“I’m not like some people–always trying to be the proud peacock of the evening, desperate for attention.”

Caitlin’s smile didn’t reach her eyes, but her words landed clean and sharp.

Zora’s expression darkened instantly.

Caitlin turned toward Ximena and Zora. “Well then, Ximena, Miss Harris–we’ll be heading in. Enjoy your evening.”

She signed her name, then took Sebastian’s arm and walked into the theater.

Zora stood behind, glaring holes into Caitlin’s back, her eyes sharp as daggers.

Just wait, Caitlin. Tonight is the night you fall from your pedestal.

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