Chapter 47

Evelyn felt a pang of sympathy for Gabrielle. "What? Don't worry. We'll find your watch together!"

Victoria narrowed her eyes, sensing where this might be going.

Benjamin joined the search abruptly. Then, as if struck by a thought, he whirled toward Evelyn with suspicion. "Hey, weren't you the one holding Gabrielle's jacket when you two went to the restroom?"

Evelyn nodded. "Yes. What about it?"

Benjamin scoffed, his expression dripping with disdain. "Then hand it over now!"

Evelyn's face remained impassive. "I didn't take it. How can I give it back?"

Benjamin seized her arm, treating her like a criminal. "You were the only one who had her jacket. If you didn’t take it, who did?"

Evelyn kept her voice steady. "She asked me to hold it for her in the restroom. That’s all."

Benjamin sneered. "And you conveniently stole it from the pocket!"

"I didn’t," she repeated, calm but firm.

Benjamin wasn’t buying it. "Your word means nothing. If you’re innocent, let us search you!"

Sophia, furious, shoved him back. "Are you insane? Why would Evelyn steal a watch? If she wanted one, Nathaniel would buy her a dozen!"

Benjamin rolled his eyes. "Then she shouldn’t have a problem proving it!"

"No! You have no right to humiliate her like this!" Sophia stood her ground.

Evelyn had risked her life for her yesterday. Today, Sophia would protect her.

Benjamin tried to yank Sophia aside, but she resisted. Their struggle sent Evelyn stumbling back—

Clink.

Something metallic hit the floor.

Benjamin released Sophia and snatched up the object near Evelyn’s feet. His eyes widened in triumph. "What’s this? Still denying it? You’re not fit to be Nathaniel’s wife!"

Gabrielle stared at Evelyn, feigning shock. "Evelyn… you took it?"

Evelyn frowned, glancing at the watch. "I think you know exactly how it got there."

Gabrielle gasped. "Why would I do that?"

Benjamin exploded. "Enough! Everyone saw it fall from you! Stop lying and dragging Gabrielle into it!"

The restaurant patrons gathered, whispering and pointing.

"Stealing from a friend? How low."

"She doesn’t look the type."

"Appearances deceive."

A cold voice cut through the murmurs. "What’s going on?"

Nathaniel’s presence instantly chilled the room. The crowd parted for him.

Sophia rushed over. "Uncle Nathaniel! Benjamin accused Evelyn of stealing Gabrielle’s watch and tried to search her!"

Benjamin waved the watch defiantly. "I didn’t accuse her—it fell right off her! Everyone saw it!"

Nathaniel studied the watch, then turned to Evelyn, his gaze unreadable. "Did you take it?"