Chapter 311

Gabrielle shot up from her seat, her entire body trembling with denial. "That's a lie! I would never do such a thing!"

Her voice cracked as she pointed an accusing finger at Daniel. "If you keep spreading these false accusations, I'll have my lawyers sue you for slander!"

Nathaniel remained unfazed. Turning to the officers with calm authority, he stated, "It was her. She orchestrated everything. She followed Miss Whitmore from Silver Moon Estate to Yonder River's shoreline."

His gaze never wavered. "She specifically chose me because she'd seen Evelyn speaking with me earlier when I was handing out flyers."

"Gabrielle found Evelyn's dropped phone. Used it to transfer the payment upfront. Then erased all transaction records before having an accomplice 'discover' the phone and turn it in."

"Every detail was meticulously planned to frame Evelyn as the mastermind."

Amelia gasped, pulling away from Samuel's protective embrace. Her wide eyes locked onto her lifelong friend. "Gabrielle... how could you? I explicitly told you not to interfere with Evelyn! My past with Nathaniel has nothing to do with her!"

Tears streamed down Gabrielle's face as she shook her head violently. "Amelia, please! I swear it wasn't me!"

The heartbreak in Amelia's expression cut deeper than any accusation. Without another word, she turned back into her brother's arms, shoulders shaking with silent sobs.

Cornered and desperate, Gabrielle whirled on Evelyn, her manicured finger jabbing the air. "This is your doing! You paid this criminal to accuse me! You're despicable, Evelyn Whitmore!"

Evelyn arched one perfectly shaped eyebrow, her voice dripping with icy disdain. "All I did was instruct my attorney to locate the missing victims. The truth came out on its own. Like everyone else here, I only learned your involvement when Daniel named you."

She tilted her head slightly. "Though I must admit, Miss Winslow, I'm not entirely surprised."

"You vicious little—" Gabrielle's outburst was cut short as the officers stepped forward, handcuffs gleaming.

"Miss Winslow, you'll need to come with us for questioning."

Panic set in as Gabrielle stumbled backward. "Amelia! Help me, please!"

Amelia hesitated, then moved toward Evelyn with outstretched hands. Evelyn sidestepped the contact smoothly, maintaining her distance.

The rejection stung. Amelia's hands fell limply to her sides. "Evelyn... I'm so sorry. I had no idea... what you've endured these past days..." She swallowed hard. "But Gabrielle only acted out of misguided loyalty. Can't you find it in your heart to forgive her? Just this once?"