Chapter 229

Evelyn was certain Amelia must have been an extraordinary person to inspire such fierce loyalty in so many people.

She pondered for a moment before turning to Benjamin. "Here's an idea. Your family's wealthy too, aren't they? Even if Nathaniel withdraws his investment from Gabrielle's family business, your relatives could step in and save your sister's best friend."

Benjamin's expression turned sheepish. "I don't have any authority over my family's finances yet... My brother maintains strict boundaries between business and personal matters, and he's never liked Gabrielle. So that's... not possible."

Evelyn offered an apologetic shrug. "Then I'm afraid there's nothing I can do."

She knew her influence over Nathaniel was limited, and financial decisions weren't her domain. Even if he would listen, pleading Gabrielle's case wasn't something she'd ever consider.

Helping someone who'd repeatedly harmed her—nearly costing her life—went against her principles. She believed firmly in karma: good deeds rewarded, misdeeds punished. Those who made bad choices had to face the consequences.

Benjamin's face twisted in frustration as he leaned forward urgently. "Evelyn, I'm begging you. Please talk to Nathaniel—"

Evelyn remained unmoved. She crossed her arms on the chair's armrest, tilting her head against her hand. "I'm tired."

Sophia immediately swooped in, shoving Benjamin back. "You heard her! Evelyn needs rest, so get out! Stop bothering her!"

Benjamin's already foul mood darkened further at Sophia's interference. "Sophia Bennett, this is between Evelyn and me. Stay out of it!"

Sophia planted herself firmly between them. "Everything concerning Evelyn concerns me! This isn't the first time Gabrielle's targeted her. Nathaniel's retaliation is justified—if anything, she's getting off lightly!"

Outmatched in verbal sparring, Benjamin's temples pulsed with visible veins. "Back off! This doesn't involve you!"

When he tried to maneuver around her, Sophia spread her arms wide. "You're the one who needs to leave! This is my uncle and Evelyn's room—I have every right to be here!"

"Sophia Bennett! You—you're impossible!"

Sophia burst into laughter. "That's the best you've got? 'Impossible'? Here's one for you—Benjamin Rivers, you're utterly clueless!"

"Sophia Bennett!"

Their escalating argument made Evelyn's head throb.

With a quiet sigh, she seized the moment to slip away unnoticed, seeking refuge elsewhere.

Meanwhile, in another room...

"Alright, Nathaniel! I admit it—I planted the earring in the boot! But I only meant to scare Evelyn! I never imagined Stardust would throw her off the cliff—"

Terrified into full confession, Gabrielle offered no resistance once Nathaniel threatened to withdraw funding from her family's struggling business.

The Winslow enterprise had been floundering for years, sustained only by Grayson Group's investments. Without Nathaniel's backing, they'd collapse completely.

Once, Nathaniel had invested out of consideration for Amelia. Now, he considered withdrawing because of Evelyn.