Chapter 355

"You call this gratitude? Typical of the Rivers family—repaying kindness with betrayal!"

Benjamin clenched his fists, swallowing the bitter taste of false confession. For Amelia and Samuel, he had no choice but to bear this injustice.

"That's not true! Samuel and Amelia always taught me gratitude. I was just too stubborn to listen. I admit I wronged Evelyn."

"Nathaniel, I acted alone. My family had no part in this. Punish me however you see fit, but leave them out of it."

Nathaniel's expression darkened like a gathering storm. "You dare dictate terms to me? My wife saved your grandfather out of pure kindness, and this is how you repay her? Your entire family will—"

"Nathaniel!" Amelia's tearful voice cut through the tension as she rushed into the dining room, shielding Benjamin. Her doe eyes shimmered with unshed tears. "He's just a boy! He didn't understand what he was doing."

She turned her pleading gaze to Nathaniel. "As his sister, I can't bear this. For my sake, won't you show mercy this once?"

Nathaniel studied her tear-streaked face, his frown deepening.

Seizing his hesitation, Amelia tugged Benjamin's arm urgently. "Kneel! Show Nathaniel your remorse. He'll forgive you if he sees how sorry you are."

Benjamin stared at her in disbelief. Though every fiber of his being resisted, he began lowering himself reluctantly—

"Stand up!" A sharp female voice rang from the staircase before his knee touched the ground.

Evelyn.

All eyes turned to see her descending the stairs, stretching lazily like a cat awakening from a nap.

Nathaniel's stern expression softened instantly. 'My little hellion's finally awake.'

She reached the bottom step and shot Benjamin a sideways glance. "Men don't kneel because someone tells them to."

Benjamin straightened immediately, his usual bravado vanishing under Evelyn's piercing gaze. He hung his head. "But I... I hurt you—"

Evelyn arched an eyebrow. "Did you really?"

His head snapped up in shock. 'Does she... know it wasn't me?'

Amelia sensed danger. Fresh tears welled as she stepped between them. "Evelyn, punish me instead! He's young and foolish. If you spare him this time, Samuel and I will make sure he learns—"

Evelyn cut her off with a humorless laugh. "Interesting. Didn't I just hear this man say Nathaniel could punish Benjamin however he wished? Now you're begging for leniency. Who exactly calls the shots in the Rivers family? Or is this how you weasel out of consequences?"

Amelia's face froze mid-sob. "He's my only brother! I'm begging you—"

Evelyn crossed her arms in an X. "Save the waterworks, Amelia. They don't work on me. Try them on someone who cares."

With deliberate casualness, she tilted her chin toward Nathaniel at the dining table. The usually composed billionaire found himself utterly speechless.