Chapter 403

Evelyn stared at Amelia in utter bewilderment as the other woman dramatically collapsed onto the cobblestones, clutching her knees with theatrical flair.

Nathaniel's tall frame emerged from the villa's entrance just as Samuel rushed forward, shoving Evelyn aside with unnecessary force. "Back off! What the hell are you doing to my sister?" he snarled.

Before Evelyn could utter a word of explanation, Samuel had already knelt to help Amelia up with exaggerated concern. "Are you hurt?" His voice dripped with false worry.

The impact sent Evelyn stumbling backward. She fought to regain balance but her heel caught on the uneven pathway. With a startled gasp, she plunged into the ornamental koi pond.

Though shallow, the mountain-chilled water stole her breath. She surfaced spluttering, hair plastered to her face like a drowned alley cat.

A shadow loomed over the pond's edge. Nathaniel didn't hesitate - he leapt in, boots sinking into the silt as he waded toward her. Strong arms lifted her dripping form from the water. "I've got you," he murmured, stripping off his suit jacket to wrap around her shaking shoulders.

"F-f-freezing," Evelyn chattered through clenched teeth.

Nathaniel cradled her against his chest, water dripping from both their clothes. "Let's get you inside before you catch pneumonia."

Samuel watched the scene unfold with a sneer. "Before you play white knight, you should know your little girlfriend was about to stomp on Amelia's face when I intervened."

Evelyn's jaw tightened. The accusation hung in the air like poison.

Nathaniel's gaze flicked to Amelia, who leaned heavily against her brother. "Is this true? Are you injured?"

Amelia fluttered her lashes, pressing a delicate hand to her chest. "It's nothing, Nathaniel. Please don't blame Evelyn. I... I probably deserved it."

The muscles in Nathaniel's jaw twitched as he studied Evelyn's pale face. "Explain."

Evelyn wrenched herself free, landing unsteadily on her feet. "No cameras. No witnesses. Just their word against mine." Her laugh held no humor. "Call the police if you want. Have me arrested again. Wouldn't be the first time false accusations landed me in cuffs."

She turned toward the villa, shoulders squared against the biting wind. Hypothermia wasn't worth this charade. Let Nathaniel believe whatever he wanted - she was done defending herself to people determined to see her as the villain.