Chapter 290

Nathaniel's jaw tightened as he watched the officers cuff Evelyn's delicate wrists. Every fiber of his being screamed to intervene, but he bit back his protests. She had agreed to this, and he would respect her decision—no matter how much it tore him apart.

The metallic click of the handcuffs echoed in the sterile hospital room.

Outside the door, an officer stood guard, effectively cutting off any chance of escape. Not that Evelyn looked like she wanted to run. She sat calmly, her posture relaxed despite the restraints.

They hadn't started questioning her yet. The doctor insisted she finish her IV treatment first. The officers, showing unexpected humanity, agreed to let her rest afterward.

Evelyn ate the breakfast Nathaniel had sent for her, then leaned back against the pillows, waiting. Her eyes drifted shut, her breathing steady. She was preparing herself.

By noon, the interrogation began.

Nathaniel bristled when they told him to leave. "I'm not going anywhere."

The officers exchanged uneasy glances.

Then Evelyn spoke, her voice soft but firm. "Nathaniel. Wait outside."

His fingers curled into fists, but he grabbed his jacket and stalked out, his gaze never leaving her through the small window in the door.

Amelia approached him from behind, her fingers brushing his arm. "Nathaniel..."

He barely glanced at her. "Why are you still here?"

Her lips trembled. "I just... I need to know why she would do this to me."

Nathaniel didn't answer. His attention was locked on Evelyn inside the room—her quiet nods, the way she answered without hesitation. This wasn't the defiant woman who challenged him at every turn.

Amelia shivered, rubbing her arms. "It's cold."

Nathaniel finally looked at her. "Go back to your room. You shouldn't be out here."

Her eyes flickered to the jacket in his hands, but he didn't offer it.

Instead, he turned back to the window, his expression unreadable.

Amelia hesitated, then whispered, "If... if she really did this, would you ever leave her?"

Nathaniel's voice was ice. "No."

Tears welled in Amelia's eyes. "But she—"

"I said no."

The finality in his tone silenced her.

Inside the room, Evelyn remained composed, answering every question with quiet certainty.

And Nathaniel watched, torn between fury and something far more dangerous—helpless devotion.