Chapter 371

Evelyn was utterly speechless. What did I do? I didn't provoke anyone! Why am I suddenly being targeted like this?

"Don't point at her."

A deep, commanding voice cut through the tension. Though spoken at a normal volume, the words carried an undeniable weight that sent a shiver down everyone's spines. All eyes turned toward the source.

Standing a short distance away was a strikingly tall man. His sharp features were accentuated by perfectly styled hair, every angle of his face sculpted to perfection. He moved with the effortless grace of a man who commanded respect, his expression unreadable yet undeniably intimidating.

Nathaniel Grayson strode forward, his presence alone enough to make the air feel heavier.

Samuel Rivers narrowed his eyes, hostility flashing in his gaze.

Benjamin Rivers froze, baffled by Nathaniel's sudden appearance.

The onlookers held their breath, the tension between the two men thickening to an unbearable degree. No one dared speak.

Evelyn blinked in surprise. She hadn't expected him to show up. In the absence of her usual allies, his arrival was oddly comforting. She tilted her head up to meet his gaze. "What are you doing here?"

Nathaniel's cold eyes softened slightly as they settled on her. "It's raining. I came to bring you an umbrella."

Lucas Sinclair, trailing behind him, held up a sleek black umbrella.

Is it raining? Evelyn glanced around, but the mall's enclosed structure offered no view of the outside.

Nathaniel's large hand cupped her chin, tilting her face up at just the right angle. His fingers brushed lightly over her cheek. "Had enough fun for one afternoon?"

Fun? I just got yelled at for no reason!

Evelyn stifled a yawn. "I'm exhausted. Let's go home."

Nathaniel feigned disapproval, his brow furrowing. "You never get tired when you're avoiding me. Would you rather be scolded by strangers than spend time with me?" His tone was stern, yet laced with something dangerously close to affection. "Next time someone gives you trouble, call me."

She barely resisted rolling her eyes. He was treating her like a child.

Evelyn pressed her lips together. "You showed up without me calling, didn't you?"

"You wouldn't have called at all if I didn't." Nathaniel ruffled her hair, his voice dropping to a low, chastising murmur.

Evelyn suppressed a groan. I can't deal with this level of possessiveness.

Nathaniel didn’t push further. Instead, he pulled her close, tucking her securely against his side. Then, his gaze hardened as it locked onto Samuel.

"I expect better from the Rivers family," Nathaniel said, his voice icy. "After everything Evelyn has done for your father, this is how you repay her? By pointing fingers?"

Samuel's irritation faded into a cool, practiced smile. "Funny you should mention gratitude, Nathaniel. My sister Amelia saved your life. Yet here you are, cozying up to another woman right in front of me. Tell me—does Amelia still mean anything to you? Or have you forgotten what she sacrificed for you?"