Chapter 205

Evelyn arched an eyebrow as Gabrielle offered her saccharine smile. "My deepest apologies, Evelyn. This was all just a terrible misunderstanding. Had you mentioned your silver allergy earlier, none of this unpleasantness would've occurred."

"Miss Winslow," Evelyn countered coolly, "are you suggesting it's my fault you nearly framed me for theft? Should I apologize for not anticipating your accusations?"

Gabrielle's smile faltered. "That's not what I—"

"Save it," Evelyn interrupted with a dry chuckle. "Just remember—you're covering all expenses today."

Though her jaw tightened, Gabrielle forced a nod. "Of course. Consider it my... peace offering."

Before Evelyn could respond, strong hands gripped her shoulders.

Nathaniel's stormy expression filled her vision as he examined her inflamed ear and swollen palm. "Where's the epinephrine?" he barked at the trembling physician.

"S-sir, I need to retrieve it from—"

"Now." The single word sent the doctor scrambling.

Without waiting for permission, Nathaniel swept Evelyn into his arms and strode out.

"Uncle Nate!" Sophia Bennett called after them, scrambling to follow.

Dominic Prescott elbowed Harrison Ford with a smirk. "Harrison, tell me our ice-cold Nathaniel isn't actually smitten."

Harrison's expression remained impassive. "Why ask me?"

"Because you're the expert," Dominic teased. "Weren't you obsessed with that Hopper heiress last season?"

Harrison's glare could've frozen lava. "Fuck off." He stalked away.

Dominic turned to Jonathan Blake. "Did you see that? Total meltdown."

Jonathan chuckled. "You lit the fuse, Dom."

Only Gabrielle and Benjamin Rivers remained in the dressing room.

"Let's get you settled," Benjamin offered.

Gabrielle's manicured nails dug into her palms. "We underestimated her, Ben. She's far more dangerous than she appears."

Benjamin frowned. "You still doubt her? Did you see her allergic reaction?"

"Please," Gabrielle scoffed. "Country girls know all sorts of tricks. That reaction could've been faked."

"You're wrong," Benjamin said firmly. "Evelyn would never hurt you intentionally."

Gabrielle gaped. "Since when do you defend her?"

The change was startling—Benjamin had despised Evelyn more fiercely than Gabrielle herself.

His gaze held steady. "Because she's my friend. And I trust her."

"Friend?" Gabrielle's voice rose. "Since when? Why wasn't I told?"