Chapter 250

Nathaniel glanced at Benjamin. His gaze lingered on Evelyn, who stood with her back turned near the suite door. "Nothing," he replied curtly.

Benjamin sighed heavily. "Amelia keeps promising she'll return soon, but it's been months! Ever since she left, no one treats me right—especially my brother. He criticizes me constantly!"

"If you're that concerned, call her yourself."

"No. She needs time to recover abroad. I won't pressure her."

Nathaniel closed his eyes, his expression unreadable. "Since Gabrielle's injury has healed, escort her home safely. Consider it doing your sister a favor."

Benjamin nodded obediently. "Understood. Where are you heading now?"

"Home." Nathaniel turned to leave without another word.

"Wait!" Gabrielle rushed after him, desperation in her voice. "Nathaniel, please wait!"

He didn't pause or look back, his strides steady and purposeful.

Gabrielle clenched her fists, frustration flashing across her face.

Benjamin frowned. "You should call Amelia yourself. Let her know you're fine so she stops worrying."

Gabrielle forced a smile. "Don't worry, I'll contact her."

When Evelyn emerged from the hotel lobby with her luggage, Lucas already had the car waiting.

Sophia followed closely behind, her own suitcase in tow.

They handed their bags to Lucas for loading. Sophia moved to open the backseat door—and froze.

Nathaniel sat inside, laptop balanced on his knees, absorbed in work emails.

Sophia blinked in confusion. "Uncle Nathaniel? Lucas said you had urgent business and wouldn't be joining us."

His gaze flicked upward briefly. "Plans changed."

Those dark eyes swept past her, lingering momentarily on Evelyn before returning to his screen.

"Oh!" Sophia stepped back hastily. "Evelyn, you should sit here—right next to Uncle Nathaniel!"

Evelyn shook her head. "After you."

"Nonsense! Take the middle seat."

"I prefer the window. Helps with motion sickness."

Sophia finally understood and climbed in, leaving the window seat vacant.

Nathaniel's fingers stilled on the keyboard.

Motion sickness? She'd been perfectly fine during the trip here. This was clearly an excuse to avoid sitting beside him.

The car wound through mountain roads.

Sophia regretted her seating choice immediately. The atmosphere grew unbearably tense.

Neither Nathaniel nor Evelyn spoke a word. An invisible storm brewed around Nathaniel, though no one had provoked him.

Sophia sighed internally. She should've entered from Nathaniel's side instead. Now she was trapped between two silent storms.

Too late for regrets.

Evelyn plugged in earphones and closed her eyes, shutting out the world.

For two hours, not a single word passed between her and Nathaniel.