Chapter 315

Evelyn had spent her entire life with no one to lean on. Every hardship, every obstacle—she faced them alone.

Strength had been forged through those trials, but if given the choice, she would never willingly endure them again.

No one would.

Amelia's gentle voice reached Evelyn's ears. "I've already apologized to Evelyn for the misunderstanding, Nathaniel! Gabrielle was just confused—she didn't mean any harm. You've known her for years—you know she isn't a bad person!"

"Could you please convince Evelyn to drop this? Just this once? The police said they'll let Gabrielle go if neither of us presses charges."

Evelyn smirked, turning to Nathaniel. She wanted to see if he'd cave to Amelia's pleading.

Nathaniel's expression was unreadable behind the curl of cigarette smoke. He exhaled slowly. "This isn't the first time Gabrielle has tried to hurt my wife. Even if Evelyn forgives her, I won't."

Evelyn stiffened, staring at him in disbelief.

"Nathaniel—" Amelia's face fell. "I... I understand."

Nathaniel crushed the cigarette underfoot, brushing past Amelia without another glance. He strode toward Evelyn. "Let's go home," he said firmly.

Still dazed, Evelyn barely registered his hand closing around hers as he guided her to the car. He buckled her in, shut the door, then circled to the driver's side.

As he passed Amelia again, he paused. "Go home, Amelia. Samuel is waiting."

Amelia blinked, then nodded. "O-okay."

Sophia Bennett trotted over, grinning. "What about me?"

Nathaniel barely spared her a glance. "Take whatever got you here."

Sophia gaped. "Seriously?! Uncle! You can't just—"

She lunged for the car, but Nathaniel was already pulling away, leaving her coughing in the exhaust.

"Uncle Nathaniel!" she wailed, stomping her foot.

Amelia offered a sympathetic smile. "Would you like a ride? I can ask Samuel—"

Sophia recoiled. "Ugh, no thanks!" She spun on her heel and stormed off, hailing a taxi like Amelia carried the plague.

Amelia watched the car disappear, her sweet expression hardening. Her fingers curled into fists.

"Are you done staring?" Samuel's voice came from behind, weary. "They're gone. Let's go home."

The darkness in Amelia's eyes vanished instantly. She turned, all soft smiles again. "Of course, Samuel. Let's go."