Chapter 452

Evelyn's eyes burned with pure venom as she glared at Amelia. "What the hell is Amelia doing in Samuel's office?"

"What new scheme is she plotting now?"

Amelia met her gaze without flinching.

The steady rhythm of approaching footsteps echoed through the room.

Evelyn knew Nathaniel was coming to investigate. She couldn't let him see Amelia here.

A sly smile curled her lips as she announced loudly, "Oh Samuel, you never told me you got an office cat! The poor thing was choking on some dried fish earlier."

"Thankfully it coughed it up. Would've been tragic if we lost the little furball. You really should know better than to feed such treats to kittens."

Samuel's eyes narrowed in understanding. "My mistake," he drawled. "First-time pet owner here. I'll be more careful."

Evelyn smirked when he played along. She shot Amelia one last warning look before intercepting Nathaniel.

"Darling, the kitten's still skittish around people," she cooed, blocking his path. "Best not frighten it further."

Nathaniel studied her, then glanced skeptically at the bookshelf. Amelia held her breath, fighting another wave of nausea.

She forced out two soft meows to sell the ruse. "Meow... meow..."

"I'm starving," Evelyn announced brightly. "Samuel, Nathaniel and I will head to the restaurant first. Join us when you're done." She tugged Nathaniel's sleeve. "Let's go, darling."

The light in Nathaniel's eyes dimmed at the feline sounds. With one last glance at the bookshelf, he followed Evelyn out.

Samuel collapsed into his chair with a sigh. "Coast's clear, kitten."

Amelia emerged, her composure restored.

Samuel tilted his head. "Care to explain the hide-and-seek?"

"Just avoiding an unpleasant encounter," Amelia replied airily.

"With Nathaniel?" Samuel pressed. "Why?"

"That's my business." Amelia crossed her arms. "Besides, your sister clearly didn't want him seeing me either."

Samuel lounged like a king on his throne, effortlessly regal yet intimidating. "Miss Whitmore, you've seen how close Evelyn and Nathaniel are. Use that brilliant mind of yours to stay away. Interfering would be... unwise."

Amelia's frown deepened. 'When did I ever interfere? Nathaniel forced me into that marriage. Yes, I fell for his lies during those three months - when he claimed to only see Evelyn as a lifesaver, nothing more. I was a fool to believe him, but—'