Chapter 312

Evelyn's lips curled into a sardonic smile. "How interesting. When I was the suspect, you demanded a full investigation. Now that your dear friend Gabrielle is involved, you're asking me to drop it? The hypocrisy is astounding."

Amelia flushed with discomfort. "I-I never wanted to pursue this. It was my brother who couldn't accept someone trying to harm me, so he—"

The handcuffs still clinked around Evelyn's wrists as she leaned back lazily in her chair. "Save your breath, Miss Rivers. I'd rather let the police handle this properly."

Amelia lowered her gaze but persisted. "I'm sorry, Evelyn. We were wrong to suspect you. But Gabrielle is my closest friend. Please find it in your heart to be merciful—"

Evelyn deliberately turned her attention to Samuel, who stood composed nearby. "You'd move heaven and earth for your sister, wouldn't you, Mr. Rivers? I doubt you'd show such leniency to whoever truly orchestrated this attack."

Amelia's brow furrowed. She whirled toward her brother. "Samuel, you know Gabrielle never meant to hurt me! Her methods were wrong, but her intentions—"

Samuel showed no sympathy for Gabrielle, though familial ties gave him pause. His silence spoke volumes.

Evelyn observed his hesitation with a derisive snort. "I expected better from a man of your standing, Mr. Rivers. Surely you wouldn't compromise your principles just to coddle your precious sister?"

Samuel's expression hardened at the challenge. He met Evelyn's gaze squarely. "Rest assured, Miss Whitmore. If the investigation confirms Daniel's allegations, Gabrielle will face the same consequences you did."

"Promises, promises," Evelyn murmured with false sweetness.

Gabrielle's composure shattered. "It's a setup! Evelyn framed me! Samuel, please—you have to believe me!"

Officers moved swiftly, pinning the struggling woman against the table. The metallic click of handcuffs echoed through the room as they hauled her away for questioning. Simultaneously, Daniel and his family were escorted to separate interrogation rooms for thorough debriefing.

Thirty minutes later, two chastened officers returned to release Evelyn. "Our investigation corroborates Mr. Carter's testimony," one admitted sheepishly. "You were completely uninvolved. We deeply regret our mishandling of this case, especially given your medical condition—"

Evelyn massaged her freed wrists with deliberate calm. "No harm done. We're all victims here—myself, and even your department, manipulated by her schemes."

The officers exchanged stunned glances. They'd braced for accusations of incompetence, not this unexpected absolution. The young woman's maturity in the face of injustice left them humbled.

"Can we at least arrange transportation?" one offered. "After everything you've endured—"

Evelyn waved them off. "I've had enough police vehicles to last a lifetime." Despite her refusal, their grateful smiles followed her out.

Samuel intercepted her exit with an outstretched hand. "Miss Whitmore—"

Evelyn strode past without breaking step, leaving his gesture hanging in empty air. The dismissal stung more than any verbal rebuke. For the first time in his privileged life, Samuel Rivers found himself utterly beneath someone's notice.