Chapter 321

"Quiet! I'm driving, so don't say anything that might piss me off right now. Just sit still, and I'll explain everything later. Behave, okay?" Nathaniel's voice was firm yet laced with a coaxing undertone, his gaze never leaving the road ahead.

Evelyn scowled but sank back into her seat without protest. A storm of emotions churned inside her as she stared blankly at the blur of scenery outside the window.

Midway across the Cross River Bridge, a sleek sedan with hazard lights flashing was parked on the shoulder.

Nathaniel drove past it before pulling over. Evelyn had no intention of moving, but he reached across anyway, unbuckling her seatbelt with deliberate precision.

"What are you waiting for? Get out."

Reluctantly, she stepped out into the crisp evening air.

Amelia greeted them the moment they exited the car. She coughed delicately before speaking. "Nathaniel, you made it!"

Nathaniel gave her a curt nod before turning to Samuel, who stood beside the stalled vehicle. "What's wrong with your car?"

Samuel tapped the hood. "Engine might've taken in water. Died after hitting a puddle."

Nathaniel tossed him the keys to his own car. "Take your sister home in mine."

Samuel caught them effortlessly, his expression briefly stiff before smoothing into a practiced smile. "Appreciate the rescue."

His gaze flickered to Evelyn, who stood silently to the side. He couldn't help but marvel at how effortlessly she seemed to command Nathaniel's attention. The man who once prioritized Amelia above all else now barely spared her a second glance.

"Nathaniel, how will you get back? Why not just drive us home yourself?" Amelia pressed, anxiety threading her voice.

"Not happening. We're taking a walk," Nathaniel replied, ruffling Evelyn's hair pointedly.

Evelyn barely suppressed an eye roll. Since when did I agree to this?

A shadow flickered in Amelia's eyes as she watched Nathaniel's hand linger on Evelyn. But she forced a smile. "It's windy up here. Evelyn might catch a cold. We should all leave together."

Nathaniel shrugged off his coat and draped it over Evelyn's shoulders. "She'll be fine. Someone's picking us up later. You said you weren't feeling well—stop standing around and get in the car. Samuel will take you home."

"But Nathaniel—"

He ignored her completely this time, turning to Evelyn. "Let's go. We need to talk."

His hands settled on her shoulders, steering her toward the riverwalk.

Amelia stood frozen, teeth clenched as she watched them walk away. She had sabotaged Samuel's car herself, certain Nathaniel would prioritize her—the frail, sickly one—over Evelyn. Yet here he was, choosing her instead.

"Amelia, let's go." Samuel's voice snapped her out of her thoughts.

She nodded mechanically, following him to Nathaniel's sports car.

Once inside, she pulled out her phone, fingers flying over the screen.

[Nathaniel, I'm sorry for dragging you out here. Did I upset Evelyn again? I didn't mean to. I just felt so unwell earlier. Could you explain that to her? I'm worried she might be angry with me.]

A soft chime sounded from Nathaniel's pocket.

Evelyn glanced at the screen before tossing the phone back to him.

"Your precious Amelia texted you."