Chapter 392

Nathaniel had heard countless times about Evelyn's difficult past, but he never imagined the extent of the cruelty she endured.

A stepmother and stepsister who treated her horribly was bad enough—but even her own father seemed indifferent to her suffering.

He glanced down at the composed young woman in his arms, his chest tightening. What kind of childhood must she have had to remain so unshaken in the face of such betrayal?

The Whitmores' absurd claims only drew a cold smirk from him.

"Why would I ever switch places with her? The woman I intended to marry has always been Evelyn—no one else."

Cassandra refused to believe it. She was convinced Evelyn had manipulated Nathaniel with lies.

"Mister Nathaniel, how could Evelyn possibly be the one you wanted to marry? She’s just saying whatever she can to trick you! It was me you chose! I even have the engagement ring you sent!"

She thrust out her hand, displaying the diamond ring on her finger.

Nathaniel barely spared it a glance, his expression unreadable.

Then, his fingers curled around Evelyn’s delicate hand, tracing the platinum band on her ring finger before lifting it for the Whitmores to see.

"Sorry, but this is the Grayson family’s heirloom engagement ring. I’ve never seen yours before."

Cassandra faltered. Years ago, a messenger from the Graysons had told her mother that "Miss Whitmore" had accepted Nathaniel’s proposal—and soon after, a diamond ring had arrived anonymously.

Who else could have sent it if not Nathaniel?

Her mind raced before she jabbed a finger at Evelyn. "She must have stolen it! She switched the rings somehow!"

Nathaniel’s gaze darkened with disdain. "Evelyn’s ring is forged from platinum and rare alloys—it can’t be removed without a special solvent. How exactly would she have stolen it from you?"

Cassandra’s mouth opened and closed wordlessly.

Nathaniel cradled Evelyn’s hand like it was priceless. "Besides, I placed this ring on her myself when we became engaged. Do you really think I’d mistake someone else for the woman I love?"

Engaged?! Cassandra’s face paled.

"No! That’s impossible!" she shrieked. "Mister Nathaniel, why would someone of your status ever fall for a nobody like Evelyn? A famous actress like me is far more suited to be your wife!"

Nathaniel arched a brow. "I have no idea where you got the delusion that I’d ever be interested in you."

Cassandra flinched but pressed on. "If you’d settle for a country girl like her, why not me? What does she have that I don’t?"

Someone in the crowd burst out laughing.