Chapter 453

Evelyn was too exhausted to explain herself. Instead, she asked, "So you're fine with Amelia getting engaged to someone from the Grayson family?"

A resigned expression crossed Samuel's face. "Given my family's stance on this, I personally don't want to see them married. My elders will make my life hell if they do. But my sister is stubborn—she won't let Nathaniel go. It's like she'll wither away without him. As her brother, my job is to protect her and ensure she gets her happily ever after with the man she loves." His voice hardened. "I won't forgive anyone who tries to hurt her. I hope you understand where I'm coming from, Miss Whitmore."

Evelyn studied Samuel quietly before smiling faintly. "I do understand. She's lucky to have a brother like you."

Samuel couldn't tell if her words were genuine, but it didn’t matter. He’d done his part—warning her to stay away from Nathaniel. If she interfered again, he wouldn’t hesitate to act.

His love for Amelia was twofold—overflowing from the love he could no longer give to Celeste. The guilt of failing to protect his mother and sister fifteen years ago haunted him. He’d sworn never to fail Amelia the same way.

And Evelyn? She kept hurting Amelia. That was unforgivable.

As Evelyn stepped away from the bookshelf, she found herself near Samuel’s desk. She hadn’t meant to pry, but something caught her eye—a photograph.

A woman with warm eyes and a gentle smile held a little girl in her arms. Beside them stood a boy, grinning at the camera.

Evelyn’s breath hitched. That woman… she looks familiar. Could she be—

Her heart clenched. The blurry fragments of her mother’s face in her memories suddenly sharpened.

Tears pricked her eyes.

Samuel noticed her stillness. His gaze flicked to the photo frame before he snatched it away, turning it face-down.

"Miss Whitmore, you may leave now. Oliver, see her out."

"Yes, Mr. Samuel." Oliver stepped in but hesitated. "Sir, we have an urgent issue with the Almerian client."

Samuel frowned. "What happened?"

"The translator we provided wasn’t proficient enough. The client rejected their work and demanded a replacement immediately. The ones available in the city don’t meet their standards, and the qualified ones won’t arrive in time. The client is threatening to leave."

Samuel’s jaw tightened—a rare sign of frustration.

Evelyn tilted her head. "If you’re desperate, I could give it a try."