Chapter 303

The trio descended to the hospital lobby, with Evelyn drawing envious glances as she walked flanked by two strikingly handsome men.

To reach the elevators, they had to pass by the guarded entrance of Evelyn's ward. Police officers still stood sentry outside.

A sharply dressed man with a briefcase was explaining his purpose to the officer on duty.

Samuel recognized him instantly, his eyes narrowing. "Isn't that Julian Montgomery?"

Julian was a legal titan—founder of the city's top law firm and head of Newmoon Group's legal department. He only handled high-profile corporate cases, making his presence at a simple assault investigation baffling.

Evelyn's breath hitched when she recognized the attorney. She turned to Nathaniel, her expression wounded. "You still trust her? Enough to hire Julian Montgomery as her defense?"

Nathaniel's gaze darkened. "I didn't hire him."

"You didn't?" Amelia blinked in shock. "Then how did Evelyn manage to secure him?"

Few could afford Julian's services, let alone for something as trivial as this.

Samuel shot Nathaniel a skeptical look. He refused to believe a small-town girl like Evelyn had the connections to summon Julian.

After finishing his discussion with the officers, Julian spotted Nathaniel and Samuel approaching. He paused, offering a polite nod. "Mr. Grayson, Mr. Rivers. A pleasure."

Nathaniel acknowledged him with a curt nod, while Samuel mirrored the gesture.

"Forgive the interruption," Julian said smoothly, "but I have business here. Excuse me." With that, he entered Evelyn's ward.

The brief exchange confirmed Samuel's suspicions—Nathaniel wasn't behind this. If he were, Julian would've at least exchanged pleasantlies with his client. Instead, he'd maintained professional distance.

Which left one unsettling question: how did Evelyn pull this off?

The trio lingered, united by unspoken curiosity.

Ten minutes later, Julian emerged. He addressed the officers with practiced ease. "My client has granted me full authority over her case. I'd like to visit the station to interview the assailant. Could someone escort me?"

Before the officer could respond, Samuel stepped forward. "I'm heading there to give my statement. I can take you."

Julian's smile remained polite but firm. "I appreciate the offer, Mr. Rivers, but as Ms. Whitmore's counsel, it would be improper to fraternize with the victim's family. Professional boundaries, you understand."

"Of course," Samuel conceded, though his curiosity burned. The Riveras had once tried—and failed—to retain Julian for a major case.

Amelia watched the exchange, her gaze darting between her brother and Evelyn's door. Her fingers tightened around Nathaniel's arm. A girl like Evelyn shouldn't have these connections. Unless...

She studied Nathaniel's profile, but his expression gave nothing away. The only tell was the slight tension in his jaw—a sign something had unsettled him.

And that unsettled her.