Chapter 356

Amelia's eyes were swollen from crying. She bit her lip, forcing back another wave of tears.

"I'm sorry," she whispered. "I know I shouldn't cry, but I can't help worrying about Benjamin..."

Nathaniel's chest tightened at the sight of her distress. He gripped her trembling shoulders gently.

"Amelia, don't worry about me. I'll be fine. I'm ready to face the consequences alone. Why don't you go back with Oliver first?"

"But Benjamin—" Her voice broke, choked by another sob.

Evelyn let out a soft laugh. "Miss Amelia, I must say, I'm impressed."

Benjamin frowned, confused. What is she laughing about?

Amelia blinked, her doe eyes wide with innocence. "Evelyn... what do you mean? You're impressed by me?"

Evelyn nodded. "Absolutely. You've got a best friend who was willing to ruin me for your sake—though, unfortunately, she ended up in prison. Then your devoted little brother posted that video to frame me. And now, he's here, ready to take the fall for you."

"Everyone seems eager to walk through fire for you, just so you can stay pure and clueless. You'll have to teach me your secrets someday, Miss Amelia."

On the surface, it sounded like praise. But beneath it, the mockery was sharp.

Amelia's expression flickered. She had underestimated Evelyn. At first glance, Evelyn was just another pretty face—beautiful but shallow. Now, she realized how wrong she'd been.

She's not as simple as she looks.

Amelia widened her eyes, feigning confusion. "Evelyn, I think you've misunderstood me. I had no idea what Gabrielle and Benjamin were—"

Evelyn didn't let her finish. She turned away, striding toward the dining table where Nathaniel sat. She eyed the lavish breakfast spread and raised an eyebrow.

"Where's mine?"

Nathaniel glanced up, unimpressed. "You said you weren't hungry when I tried waking you."

Evelyn shrugged. "I wanted to sleep, but you all were making so much noise. Figured I might as well eat before going back."

As she spoke, Lucas stepped forward, pulling out the chair beside Nathaniel for her. She sat without hesitation.

Nathaniel shot her a stern look. "You refused breakfast earlier. The kitchen didn't prepare anything for you. You'll have to wait."

Evelyn pouted. "Fine."

She hadn't been hungry in bed, but now that she was up, her stomach growled in protest. Her gaze landed on the glass of milk near Nathaniel's hand. She reached for it—

Nathaniel snatched it away before she could take a sip.

Evelyn scowled. "What? I can't even have milk now?"

He said he liked me yesterday. Today, he won't even share his food. Does he even know what 'like' means?

Nathaniel read her expression easily. "You shouldn't drink milk on an empty stomach. Unless you want an upset stomach."

Evelyn groaned. "Since when did you become so fussy?"

Nathaniel's lips twitched. "Since I started caring about you."