Chapter 291

"She's innocent," Nathaniel cut in before Amelia could finish her ridiculous accusation.

Amelia's face fell. "Nathaniel, how can you be so sure? You've only known her for what—a month?"

"She's my wife. That's all the reason I need to trust her," Nathaniel replied absently, completely missing Amelia's implication as his gaze remained fixed on Evelyn's hospital room door.

'My wife.' Those two words made Amelia's smile falter for a split second before she forced a sweet expression. "You're right. There must be some misunderstanding. Evelyn would never do something like this."

Gabrielle and Benjamin stormed out of the elevator.

"Nathaniel! We came as soon as we heard!" Gabrielle spat angrily. "This time Evelyn's gone too far. How dare she hire someone to attack Amelia when she's done nothing wrong? Amelia just got back!"

"Watch your tone. The investigation isn't over," Nathaniel said coldly.

Gabrielle shivered under his glare and immediately shut her mouth. She'd assumed Nathaniel would discard Evelyn the moment Amelia returned. Clearly, she'd underestimated Evelyn's hold on him.

Benjamin, however, only had eyes for his sister. Though younger, he towered over Amelia. "Are you okay?" he asked urgently. "They didn't tell me until this morning—afraid I'd do something reckless."

Amelia patted his cheek affectionately. "I'm fine, Ben. Nathaniel arrived just in time."

Only when assured of her safety did Benjamin relax—then his fists clenched. "That bastard. If I ever get my hands on him—"

"Benjamin Rivers!" Amelia scolded playfully. "Let the police handle this. No fighting, or you'll make me worry."

Instantly chastened, Benjamin ducked his head like a scolded puppy. "Yes, Amelia. I'll behave."

The hospital door swung open then, officers emerging with frustrated expressions and a case file.

Gabrielle pounced immediately. "Well? Did Evelyn confess to hiring that thug?"

The lead investigator sighed. "No confession. She maintains her innocence."

"What?" Gabrielle's voice rose. "You have witness testimony and evidence! Show her the proof!"

"The 'witness' is the perpetrator himself. He provided chat logs showing a $15,000 transfer from Miss Whitmore's account," the officer explained wearily. "But she claims the logs are fabricated, her account hacked. She won't admit guilt unless we prove she met the assailant beforehand."

The interrogation had been a masterclass in evasion. Evelyn answered every question—then dismantled their case with razor-sharp logic, exposing every inconsistency until even the officers doubted their own evidence.

After three exhausting hours, they had no choice but to recommend dropping charges.