Chapter 318

"I was only making an educated guess." Evelyn's voice carried a playful lilt as she adjusted her seatbelt. "Given how attentive you've been lately—and considering our marital status, even if just on paper—it wasn't hard to deduce you'd assist me. Honestly, who else would go through the trouble of locating a new witness for me?"

Nathaniel's grip tightened on the steering wheel, his profile sharp in the afternoon light. "You were that certain I'd intervene?"

"Absolutely." Her smile remained fixed, though her eyes stayed guarded. "I never doubted you for a second."

A dry chuckle escaped him. "Is that why you spent last night mentally cursing me when I didn't return to the hospital?"

Evelyn's fingers stilled on her purse strap. The accusation hit its mark—she had indeed vented her frustration, though not for the reasons he assumed. After Sophia mentioned Nathaniel hadn't returned following Amelia's departure, she'd imagined them lost in nostalgic conversation. The thought of him siding with Amelia's version of events had stung more than she cared to admit.

Her silence spoke volumes. Nathaniel took a sharp turn, the cityscape blurring outside the windows. "For the record, I was following a lead last night. By the time I returned, you were asleep. This morning required my immediate attention elsewhere."

Evelyn blinked. "You came back?"

His eyebrow arched. "You doubt me?"

"No," she said quickly, smoothing her skirt. "I believe you. Thank you for making time despite your schedule. Though I suppose I should thank Lucas for actually tracking down the witness?"

Nathaniel's jaw tensed. "Some matters require personal handling."

"Must've been critical to pull you away." She studied the passing storefronts. "Let me guess—something involving Amelia? Not that I need details. Her affairs don't concern me."

The tires shrieked as Nathaniel slammed the brakes. Evelyn's body jerked forward, the seatbelt cutting into her shoulder. Heart pounding, she whirled toward him. "What the hell was that?"

Thunder darkened Nathaniel's expression as he unbuckled his seatbelt with deliberate slowness. "Nothing concerns you? Is that truly what you believe?"

Evelyn's pulse raced. "Are you saying it does?"

"Evelyn Whitmore." His voice dropped to a dangerous register. "Do my words mean nothing to you?"

"I listen!" She threw up her hands. "But half the time, your actions make no sense. Like right now—what exactly am I supposed to understand?"

"Ask!" The word cracked like a whip. "Instead of assuming!"

Heat flooded her cheeks. "And what right do I have to question you? I'm just your—"

Nathaniel's hand shot out, gripping the headrest beside her. The sudden proximity stole her breath. "Finish that sentence."

Evelyn swallowed hard. The scent of his cologne—spice and something darker—wrapped around her. "Amelia—" she began, but the rest died in her throat.