Chapter 357

Evelyn let out a derisive laugh.

Amelia observed the exchange between Evelyn and Nathaniel. Their behavior wasn't unusual, yet it was the most affectionate she had ever seen Nathaniel act with another woman. Her gaze darkened, fingers curling into tight fists, nails biting into her palms.

At that moment, Oliver also felt like they were intruding on something private. He quickly retrieved an item he knew would capture Nathaniel's attention.

"Mister Grayson, Mister Samuel instructed me to deliver this to you. This phone belonged to the female influencer. The original video remains unaltered. We hope this will help dispel the baseless rumors surrounding Missus Whitmore."

Nathaniel glanced at Lucas, signaling him to take the phone.

Lucas immediately accepted it from Oliver and verified the video. Confirming its authenticity, he gave Nathaniel a subtle nod.

"Mister Grayson, how do you plan to deal with Mister Benjamin?" Oliver asked cautiously.

Nathaniel didn't answer. Instead, he arched a brow at Evelyn, as if seeking her opinion—something uncharacteristic for a man who never consulted others before making decisions.

Evelyn blinked in confusion. Why is he looking at me like that? Does he want me to decide the punishment?

After a brief pause, she turned her attention to Oliver, then to the visibly distressed Benjamin.

"Leave Benjamin here. The rest of you can go," she stated firmly.

Oliver tensed at her words.

"Missus Whitmore, Mister Benjamin is still young. I hope—"

Evelyn didn’t let him finish. She scoffed, cutting him off. "Your employer’s influence is showing. If you weren’t prepared to face consequences, you shouldn’t have brought him here in the first place. Now that he’s here, he stays."

"Or were your words just empty promises? The Rivers family is at fault here. I was only trying to help one of your own. Did you really think there’d be no repercussions for your family’s actions?"

Oliver’s expression darkened, but he didn’t dare argue. He had assumed Nathaniel would go easy on Benjamin for Amelia’s sake—or that any punishment would be light. He hadn’t anticipated Evelyn being this unyielding.

Benjamin, however, refused to let Evelyn see him as weak. He squared his shoulders, lifting his chin defiantly as he stepped forward.

"Oliver, take Amelia home. I’ll stay and face whatever’s coming," he declared, resolved to accept his punishment.

Oliver hesitated. Forcibly removing Benjamin now would only escalate tensions with the Grayson family.

This is beyond my authority. I need to consult Samuel.

With that, he decided to retreat for now. He turned to Amelia. "Let’s go, Miss Amelia."

Amelia remained silent, her gaze shifting to Nathaniel, who sat at the head of the table. To her dismay, his attention was entirely fixed on Evelyn—not sparing her a single glance.

Her heart sank. After a moment of contemplation, she spoke to Oliver.

"Oliver, you must be in a hurry to return to Samuel’s office, right?"

Oliver nodded. "Yes, Miss Amelia. I’ll escort you home first, then head straight there."

"Then don’t bother with me," she said before turning to Nathaniel. "Nathaniel, could I ride with you later? My home is on the way to your office. It would be convenient."