Chapter 237

Nathaniel and the group swiftly galloped toward Gabrielle's location.

Gabrielle sat crumpled on the grass. Her bare legs, exposed by the shorts she wore, were crisscrossed with angry red scratches and smears of blood.

The men arrived within moments.

Benjamin dismounted first, rushing to her side. "Gabrielle! What happened?" His voice cracked with concern.

Tears welled in Gabrielle's eyes as she whimpered, "Benjamin... I fell while trying to launch the kite. My ankle—I think it's sprained. The pain is unbearable..."

Kneeling beside her, Benjamin inspected her injuries with growing alarm. "How could you be so reckless?"

Nearby, Sophia observed the scene with undisguised contempt. "You were right, Evelyn," she muttered. "She's scheming again. Honestly, how difficult is it to stand up after a fall? And screaming for help? Only a fool like Benjamin would buy this act!"

Evelyn calmly held the kite string. "Let's go see what's happening."

As the trip organizer, Dominic dismounted and approached. "Gabrielle, can you stand?"

Gabrielle shook her head, tears now streaming down her face. "Dominic, I'm so foolish. I couldn't even fly a simple kite by myself..."

Dominic frowned. "Why were you attempting it alone?"

Benjamin echoed the question, his brow furrowed. "Yes, why didn't you ask for assistance?"

Gabrielle lowered her gaze with a resigned sigh. "I approached Evelyn and Sophia, but they ignored me. Perhaps Evelyn still resents me after yesterday's misunderstanding and told Sophia not to help." She sniffled dramatically. "I envy how easily they flew their kite together. If Celeste were here, I wouldn't be so alone..."

With calculated precision, she painted Evelyn and Sophia as cruel bullies.

At the mention of his missing sister, Benjamin's expression softened with guilt. His earlier suspicions about Gabrielle's motives faded beneath a wave of sympathy.

Sophia stormed forward, hands on hips. "That's a lie, Uncle Nathaniel! Evelyn offered to help, but Gabrielle refused and glared at her!"

Gabrielle's eyes reddened as she addressed Sophia with fragile dignity. "Sophia, I know you're protecting Evelyn, but twisting the truth to defend her isn't right. Why else would I be here alone, injured, if not ignored by you both?"

Sophia recoiled in disgust. "Unbelievable! Of all the mysteries in this world, you're the most baffling—a woman who lies without blinking!"

"I made mistakes yesterday," Gabrielle sobbed, leaning heavily against Benjamin's shoulder. "But today I speak the truth!"

Nathaniel, still mounted, observed the scene silently before shifting his gaze between the furious Sophia and the composed Evelyn standing nearby.

His voice cut sharply through the tension. "Benjamin, help her onto her horse."