Chapter 285

Evelyn left Nathaniel utterly speechless with just a few sharp words.

Nathaniel leaned casually against the doorframe, fingers hooked loosely on his belt. A proud smirk played on his lips as he watched his wife outmaneuver Samuel. 'That's my woman,' he thought with satisfaction.

He pushed off the wall and approached. "Why aren't you resting in your room?"

Evelyn noticed Nathaniel had emerged from Room 302 and was walking toward her. She frowned in displeasure. "I've slept enough. Came to check if you were still breathing."

Nathaniel's expression darkened briefly, but he'd grown accustomed to her biting remarks. His large hand came down to ruffle her hair playfully. "Sorry to disappoint, but I'm still alive. Were you hoping otherwise?"

Evelyn sidestepped his touch smoothly. She couldn't stand his hands on her after seeing them wrapped around another woman. Fatigue tugged at her, so she waved her bandaged hands dismissively. "Carry on without me. I'm done with this conversation."

She turned on her heel and walked away.

Nathaniel followed without hesitation, but Amelia suddenly rushed out to clutch his sleeve. Tears welled in her eyes. "Don't go, Nathaniel! Stay with me. I'm scared..."

Nathaniel paused, his gaze shifting from Amelia to her brother Samuel. "My family has strict rules. It's inappropriate for me to care for your sister."

Samuel's eyes dimmed slightly before nodding gracefully. "Understood."

Nathaniel gently detached Amelia's grip. "Your brother's here. Rest well." With that, he strode after Evelyn, who'd already put considerable distance between them.

Amelia tried to follow, but Samuel caught her arm. "Enough, Amelia. He's married now."

"But it's just a marriage of convenience!" Amelia protested tearfully. "He never wanted—"

Samuel's voice turned firm. "The reason doesn't matter. He's taken. You're a good girl—don't chase after married men."

Amelia burst into sobs. "Samuel, I need him! I'm terrified..."

Samuel pulled his distraught sister into a comforting embrace. "I'm here. You're safe."

As Amelia's cries gradually subsided to sniffles, Samuel's phone rang. He checked the caller ID, his expression darkening. Turning to Gabrielle, who'd been watching him adoringly, he said, "Could you take Amelia back to her room? Stay with her while I handle this."

Gabrielle blushed and nodded eagerly. "Of course, Samuel. I'll take good care of her."

Once they'd disappeared into the ward, Samuel answered the call. His subordinate's voice came through: "Sir, the DNA results are back on the two female remains found in Westridge Valley. No match to your samples. They're not the missing madam and young lady."

"Keep searching. I need definitive proof of their fate."

"Understood."

Samuel massaged his temples after hanging up. Fifteen years had passed since his mother fled with his five-year-old sister during family conflicts, vanishing without a trace. Most believed them dead, but Samuel wouldn't stop until he found their remains—or them alive.

He turned to his secretary. "Oliver, investigate Evelyn's background. She's clearly formidable, and I won't have her bullying Amelia."

"Yes, sir." Oliver hesitated before adding, "It explains why she rejected your check. She's playing for higher stakes—securing her position as Mrs. Grayson and the family fortune. I fear Miss Amelia stands no chance now..."

Samuel's eyes narrowed. Even without Evelyn, uniting the Rivers and Grayson families would be nearly impossible given their generations-old feud. The younger generation might coexist civilly, but the elders would never sanction such a union.

His sister had fallen for the one man she could never have.