Chapter 225

Evelyn walked past Dominic without a glance, heading straight to Stardust's side.

Nathaniel's lips curved slightly when he noticed how the usually chatty Dominic was visibly taken aback by her dismissal.

She removed the saddle from Stardust's back, handed it to Nathaniel, and shone the flashlight along the horse's flank. Her fingers combed through the animal's coat with deliberate care.

A glint caught the light.

Evelyn adjusted the beam and gasped. Embedded in Stardust's flesh was a diamond-studded earring - identical to the one that had pierced Gabrielle's foot earlier that day.

Nathaniel's sharp eyes narrowed dangerously at the discovery.

Due to her silver allergy, Evelyn avoided touching the jewelry and turned to address the group. "Come see what made Stardust lose control today."

Curious murmurs rose as everyone crowded closer. Their expressions shifted from shock to suspicion as they turned toward Gabrielle, who had been pretending concern for Evelyn moments before.

Benjamin's face darkened with anger. "How could you do this, Gabrielle?"

Gabrielle feigned innocence. "Me? I don't know what you're implying, Benjamin!"

He pointed accusingly at the earring. "Explain this! Why is your earring buried in Stardust's hide? You must have slipped it under the saddle when no one was looking - knowing it would drive the horse wild when Evelyn mounted it!"

Gabrielle paled, trembling. "That's absurd! Just because it resembles my earring doesn't prove anything!"

Benjamin's disgust grew at her refusal to confess. "Who else could it be? I don't wear earrings, and Evelyn's allergic to silver!"

Panicked, Gabrielle blurted out, "Sophia was here too! Why aren't you accusing her?"

Sophia's eyes flashed with outrage. "What are you insinuating, Gabrielle? That I'd try to kill someone I barely tolerate? That makes no sense!"

Evelyn nearly choked at Sophia's backhanded declaration of 'tolerance.'

Gabrielle backtracked hastily. "I didn't mean- I just meant you shouldn't assume it's me-"

Sophia crossed her arms. "Then who? Evelyn can't touch silver, and she's not suicidal. That leaves... me?" Her voice dripped with sarcasm.

Gabrielle floundered. "No, Sophia, I-"

Her weak defense only dug her grave deeper.

Sophia turned to Nathaniel in disgust. "Uncle, you should stay far away from women like her. She's clearly dangerous!"

Nathaniel's icy glare could have frozen lava. The silent fury radiating from him made Gabrielle quake.

"It wasn't me, Nathaniel!" she pleaded desperately. "I swear!"