Chapter 228

The door swung open to reveal Benjamin standing there, his usual arrogant expression plastered across his face.

Evelyn's nose wrinkled in distaste at the sight of him. "What do you want?"

"I need to speak with Evelyn," Benjamin declared.

Sophia crossed her arms. "And why should we trust you? You're clearly on Gabrielle's side. We don't want anything to do with you!"

Benjamin's face flushed with anger. "Out of my way! I'm not here for you!"

He shoved past Sophia into the room. His proud demeanor faltered when he saw Evelyn's bandaged arm. "I... heard about the snake incident."

Evelyn lounged in her chair, one leg crossed over the other. "Your sources are correct."

Benjamin shifted uncomfortably. "Are you... okay?"

A faint smile played on Evelyn's lips. "Perfectly fine. It wasn't venomous. I imagine that ruins your day."

Benjamin's brows furrowed. "Evelyn, I'm not the monster you think I am! Yes, I want you away from Nathaniel, but I don't wish you dead!"

Sophia marched over, hands on hips. "You're hilarious, Benjamin! Who died and made you the relationship police? Evelyn and Uncle Nathaniel are married - what they do is none of your business!"

Benjamin's ears turned red with fury. "Hmph! Shut up, you little brat!"

Sophia stomped her foot. "Who are you calling a brat?"

The argument escalated quickly.

"You're the brat here!"

These two never failed to bicker whenever they crossed paths.

Evelyn massaged her temples in exasperation.

After several minutes of heated exchange, Benjamin threw up his hands. "I'm a gentleman! Gentlemen don't argue with children!"

Turning back to Evelyn, his expression grew serious. "Listen, I need a favor."

Evelyn's eyebrow arched. "Now this is unexpected. The great Benjamin Rivers asking me for help?"

Benjamin struggled to find the right words. Finally, he forced out, "After today's incident... Nathaniel is pulling his investment from the Winslow family business. They've been struggling for years, and without that capital..."

He swallowed hard. "They'll go bankrupt. I'm asking you to talk to Nathaniel. Convince him to give Gabrielle another chance."

Evelyn blinked in surprise. Her mind raced.

'So Nathaniel is actually taking action against Gabrielle?'

When she didn't respond immediately, Benjamin pressed on. "Gabrielle is Amelia's best friend. What she did was wrong, but she did it for my sister. I can't just stand by and do nothing."

Evelyn met his gaze calmly. "You're asking the wrong person. The victim shouldn't be pleading for the perpetrator. Why not ask your sister to intervene?"

Benjamin's face paled. "No! Amelia can't know about this. She's too fragile right now - both physically and emotionally. If she finds out what Gabrielle did for her sake..."

Evelyn observed the change in him with interest. The usually arrogant young man now looked genuinely concerned, his voice softening when speaking of his sister.

Such sibling devotion was rare.

Amelia Rivers - Nathaniel's beloved ex.

Her brother worried that the truth might disturb her sleep, while her best friend had nearly committed murder on her behalf.