Chapter 278

Evelyn didn't speak. She simply gripped Nathaniel's hand, her steady gaze locked onto his face. The silent challenge hung between them - it was his move now.

Two heartbeats passed before Nathaniel turned to Sophia. "Would you mind escorting Miss Amelia back to her room?"

Sophia's lips pursed in displeasure, but she understood the unspoken dynamics. If she refused, Evelyn would be upset because Nathaniel would have to go. As Evelyn's staunchest ally, she couldn't let that happen!

"Fine, Uncle Nathaniel. I'll make sure Miss Amelia gets back safely - with all the politeness I can muster!" With visible reluctance, Sophia approached Amelia.

"Come on. You're stuck with me since Uncle Nathaniel is... occupied."

Amelia's wide, innocent eyes lingered on Evelyn's hand entwined with Nathaniel's. A flicker of something dark passed through them before she blinked and smiled at Sophia. "Do you even know where my room is?"

Sophia shrugged. "I've got a working mouth and there are nurses everywhere. It's not rocket science."

For a split second, Amelia's expression twisted before smoothing into practiced sweetness. "You're absolutely right. Let's go."

Before leaving, Amelia fixed Evelyn with that saccharine smile. "Get well soon, Evelyn. I'll visit again tomorrow."

Evelyn gave a curt nod. "You should rest too."

Amelia's gaze then shifted to Nathaniel, brimming with affection. "I'll see you later, darling."

Nathaniel merely nodded. "Mm."

The door clicked shut behind them, leaving Evelyn alone with Nathaniel. He studied their still-connected hands, warmth creeping into his eyes as he tilted his head at her. "Well?"

Evelyn released him immediately.

This had been a test. Simple-minded heiresses like Sophia or Abigail wore their emotions openly. But Amelia? She'd maintained that perfect smile even when seeing Evelyn holding Nathaniel's hand. The mask never slipped.

That told Evelyn everything she needed to know.

She didn't care about Amelia's true nature - only whether the woman had orchestrated her allergic reaction. Today's little experiment confirmed Amelia was dangerous, but proving she'd tampered with the flowers? That would take more.

The real surprise? Nathaniel staying. One tug from her, and he'd chosen to remain rather than escort his precious Amelia.

"You stopped me from seeing her out, and now this cold shoulder?" Nathaniel's voice dripped with displeasure as he loomed over her bed. "Explain yourself, Evelyn."

Evelyn met his piercing gaze. Time for damage control. "I just remembered something I need from you."

Nathaniel's lips quirked. Finally, he settled onto the edge of her bed with effortless grace, crossing his long legs like a king holding court. "Go on."