Chapter 416

Evelyn swung the door open to find Benjamin and Amelia hovering outside her threshold.

'God, these two are exhausting,' she thought, irritation flaring. Not in the mood for their drama, she arched one perfectly shaped brow. "What?"

Amelia's gaze darted past Evelyn first, scanning the room before adopting a contrite expression. "Evelyn... I've come to apologize. After careful consideration, I realize I misjudged you earlier. When I knelt in the gazebo, I thought that's what you wanted. And I know you didn't actually kick me."

Her voice dropped to a whisper. "It must have been an accidental brush when you walked by. I'm truly sorry for making Nathaniel think you were bullying me, which led to... your unfortunate swim. Please, can you find it in your heart to forgive me?"

Evelyn's eyes narrowed. 'Here we go again with the victim act.'

A sardonic smile played on her lips. "Save the performance, Amelia. Nathaniel isn't here to witness your little show."

Amelia stiffened, her eyes flickering with disbelief as she surreptitiously checked the room again. 'He's really not here?'

Evelyn had nailed it - this entire apology was staged for Nathaniel's benefit. Without his presence, Amelia wouldn't have bothered. Their relationship was beyond repair anyway.

But with Benjamin present, Amelia had to maintain the charade. "Evelyn, I'm not being fake. This apology comes from the heart. Please believe me."

Evelyn remained unmoved, her expression glacial. She recognized Amelia's tactic - emotional blackmail disguised as sincerity. Refusing forgiveness would paint Evelyn as the heartless villain preying on the "repentant" Amelia.

Most would cave to social pressure and accept the apology. But Amelia had picked the wrong target. Evelyn couldn't care less about others' opinions.

"Spare me the theatrics," Evelyn scoffed. "Save your Oscar-worthy performance for someone who actually cares."

Amelia's face crumpled with manufactured hurt. "Why do you insist I'm acting? Do you despise me that much?"

'Despise? Try utterly repulsed,' Evelyn thought.

She stifled a yawn, done with this farce. 'Anything I say will just fuel her victim narrative. Best to say nothing.'

As Evelyn moved to shut the door, Benjamin stepped forward, holding a plate of chicken wings. His boyish grin seemed out of place given the tension. "Evelyn, what really happened at the gazebo? Samuel claims you forced Amelia to kneel and kicked her. True story?"

Evelyn's frown deepened. 'Why won't these Rivers siblings leave me alone?'

Another yawn escaped as she waved a dismissive hand. "Your sister dropped to her knees unprovoked and took a tumble. End of story."

She saw no point in lengthy explanations. Those who believed her would regardless; the doubters would remain unconvinced no matter what she said.

"Oh, got it!" Benjamin nodded instantly, accepting her version without question. He turned to Amelia, his expression shifting.