Chapter 372

Nathaniel's icy demeanor darkened further. "I've never forgotten Amelia's kindness, and I will repay it for you."

"Is that so?" Samuel smirked, casting a mocking glance at Evelyn.

Nathaniel had nothing more to say on the matter. His politeness toward the Rivers family stemmed solely from Amelia having saved him in the past. Without another word, he took Evelyn's hand and turned to leave. "Let's go home."

Instead of following, Evelyn tightened her grip, signaling for him to wait.

Nathaniel paused, frowning slightly as he looked at her. What now?

Evelyn met Samuel's gaze calmly. "May I ask you something, Mr. Samuel? Is it a Rivera family tradition to demand a life debt from those you've saved?"

Samuel narrowed his eyes. "What are you implying?"

Evelyn smiled. "Does Nathaniel owe your sister his life just because she saved him? Would refusing to pledge himself make him ungrateful?"

Samuel remained silent, waiting for her to continue.

Evelyn tilted her head, a faint smirk playing on her lips. "Remember when I saved your grandfather? By your logic, does that mean he owes me his life too? Should you start calling me 'grandma' now?"

For the first time in his life, Samuel was rendered speechless. His expression darkened instantly. "Excuse me?"

Even Benjamin was stunned. What kind of nonsense is Evelyn spouting?

Zachary and the others were momentarily shocked before barely suppressing their laughter. None of them had ever seen someone dare to speak to the Rivers heir like that. Their entire worldview shifted in that moment.

Nathaniel frowned, glancing at Evelyn with a complicated expression. He wasn’t entirely pleased with her analogy.

Evelyn continued, "What I mean is, saving someone should come from genuine kindness—not as a bargaining chip for emotional manipulation or personal gain. Helping others is human nature, and those with a heart do it willingly. I’m sure someone as kind and selfless as your sister didn’t rescue my man here just because he’s handsome, right?"

Nathaniel arched a brow. While he liked hearing her call him my man, he wasn’t thrilled about being reduced to a pretty boy. He wasn’t sure if she was trying to provoke him too.

Benjamin’s usually composed face darkened, but he stayed silent.

Evelyn pressed on, "Nathaniel has never been ungrateful, and I won’t tolerate anyone calling him that. Yes, your sister saved him, but he’s never abandoned her. When she called for help, he rushed to her side—even escorted her home. Can you imagine someone of his status doing that? Hasn’t he helped her every time she needed it?"

"If your sister ever needed blood or an organ, I have no doubt Nathaniel would volunteer without hesitation. But emotional blackmail? That just makes the Rivers family look cheap and desperate."

Samuel was silent. Never in his life had he been cornered like this. He had no rebuttal.

Meanwhile, Oliver seethed in frustration. It was the first time he’d witnessed his employer being lectured by a young woman. Though he wanted to defend Samuel, he didn’t dare speak out of turn while his boss stayed quiet.