Chapter 346

Nathaniel's expression softened as he noticed Evelyn's eyes welling up. His fingers brushed against her cheeks, catching the tears before they could fall. "Shh, don't cry, Evelyn. I was only asking—"

Evelyn sniffled, her voice trembling. "But the way you said it... You sounded so harsh."

With a resigned sigh, Nathaniel tried again, his tone patient. "Evelyn, that phone never left my study drawer. Yet now, there's a manipulated video circulating online, framing you and causing chaos."

"I was just following protocol—ruling out anyone in our household before letting Oliver question the staff."

"Do you understand now? As your brother, I trust you completely. Always."

Evelyn wiped her tears and nodded, her demeanor softening like a chastened child. "Okay. I get it. It makes sense you'd suspect me—I'm the only one who has full access to your study."

Nathaniel ruffled her hair, guilt gnawing at him. He should've known better. Evelyn had always been dependable.

"But it wasn't me," she insisted. "You know I'd never do something like that. Besides, I wasn't the only one in your study. Didn’t you make Benjamin finish his homework there before letting him go out?"

"Maxwell—his caretaker—and the other servants who brought him snacks... they've all been inside too. You should question them. Someone must have done this to sabotage you!"

"Benjamin?" Nathaniel's expression darkened.

Evelyn feigned surprise, then hesitated. "Nathaniel... do you think he could’ve done it? Out of anger, maybe? Because of what happened to Gabrielle?"

Nathaniel pinched the bridge of his nose, irritation flaring. "If he did, I’ll disown him. Gabrielle broke the law—she endangered you. She deserved what she got. Benjamin has no right to blame Evelyn."

Seeing his fury, Evelyn backtracked quickly. "Maybe it wasn’t him. I just... I worry."

Nathaniel exhaled, forcing calm. "You must be exhausted after today. You weren’t feeling well earlier—get some rest. I still have work to finish."

Evelyn nodded, forcing a smile. "Alright. Don’t overwork yourself. The truth will come out soon. Goodnight, Nathaniel."

The moment the study door closed behind her, her smile vanished.

Damn it. This is backfiring.

She hadn’t expected Nathaniel—usually indifferent to outsiders—to care this much about Evelyn. Worse, if he discovered she was behind the video, she’d be ruined. Benjamin was her only diversion now.

Inside the study, Nathaniel’s jaw tightened.

"Oliver," he ordered coldly. "Bring my idiot brother here. Now."

"Yes, Mr. Nathaniel."