Chapter 288

Evelyn frowned. "What illegal activities?" The confusion was evident on her face.

Nathaniel stepped forward, his voice low and controlled. "Which case are you referring to?"

The officers startled at his sudden presence. "Mr. Grayson, you know Miss Whitmore?"

His gaze hardened. "I do. What's your business with her?"

Amelia trembled beside him, memories of last night's horror flooding back. She clutched Nathaniel's arm desperately. "Officers, there must be some mistake. Evelyn would never—"

The policemen exchanged glances. "Miss Rivers, you're here too? Then you both know Miss Whitmore."

Deciding transparency was best, the lead officer continued. "Mr. Grayson, we've apprehended the man who assaulted Miss Rivers last night. During interrogation, he confessed Evelyn Whitmore paid him fifteen thousand dollars to commit the crime."

The thermos Amelia held crashed to the floor, hot soup splashing dangerously close to her feet. Nathaniel yanked her back just in time.

"No... that's impossible!" Amelia's voice broke. "Evelyn's my friend. She wouldn't—"

The officers gave her pitying looks. "Miss Rivers, people aren't always who they appear to be."

Amelia swayed, her fragile form shaking. She turned pleading eyes to Nathaniel. "Tell me this isn't true. Evelyn wouldn't hurt me... would she?"

Nathaniel's gaze flicked to Evelyn, who leaned casually against the hospital bed. Her expression clearly said 'I warned you.' This marriage would never let her live peacefully.

After a charged silence, Nathaniel addressed the officers. "Unless you have concrete evidence, you're not taking her anywhere."

The policemen stiffened in surprise. Weren't he and Miss Rivers together? Why was he protecting the suspect?

"We have both physical evidence and witness statements, Mr. Grayson. This is official police business—step aside."

Amelia inhaled sharply, tears welling in her wide eyes as she stared at Evelyn. The betrayal seemed to crush her delicate spirit.