Chapter 313

As Evelyn disappeared through the police station doors, Amelia rushed forward with panic in her eyes. "What's going to happen to Gabrielle now?"

Samuel snapped out of his thoughts and turned to his sister with a stern expression. "She's a grown woman. She made her choices and must face the consequences."

"But she's my closest friend! We can't abandon her now—"

"That's enough. I won't discuss this further. Go home with Benjamin."

Inside the restroom, Evelyn finished washing her hands when Julian appeared in the corridor, holding out a tissue with quiet efficiency. Then he extended his phone toward her. "Mister Nathaniel called. He wishes to speak with you."

Evelyn dried her hands before accepting the call.

Nathaniel's voice carried through the line. "Everything settled, boss? You alright there?"

"All handled. You did well securing those witnesses so quickly. Expect a bonus when I return."

There was an awkward pause. "Actually... it wasn't me, boss."

Evelyn's fingers tightened around the phone. "Explain."

"I arrived too late. Someone else had already gotten to them first."

"Who?"

"If I had to guess? Nathaniel's people. His assistant Lucas had teams investigating Daniel's family for days. They were always one step ahead of us."

The revelation hit Evelyn like a physical blow, leaving her momentarily speechless.

Sebastian continued hesitantly, "If I may say, boss, Mister Nathaniel is actually—"

Evelyn ended the call abruptly, irritation flashing across her features.

Julian observed her darkened expression cautiously. "Would you like me to arrange transportation?"

She tossed the phone back. "No need. Return to your firm—my business here is concluded."

"Understood."

They exited the station separately. Julian offered a formal bow before departing in his sleek sedan. Evelyn watched the car disappear around the corner, her gaze lingering just a moment too long.

When she turned back, her breath caught.

Nathaniel stood at the police station entrance, impeccably dressed in a tailored suit, leaning casually against a white Lamborghini. A cigarette dangled from his fingers, smoke curling lazily into the air as if he had all the time in the world.

Spotting her frozen figure, he crooked a finger. "Come here."

Evelyn forced her feet to move. "Sir."

Nathaniel exhaled a slow stream of smoke, his sharp eyes tracking the direction Julian's car had gone. "Impressive connections you've cultivated, Evelyn."