Chapter 475

Samuel's piercing gaze locked onto Amelia. "Amelia, this means Ethan was already hurt before you brought him here. Explain yourself. Who's been around him at home?"

Amelia's stomach twisted with guilt under her brother's interrogation. Her lashes fluttered as fat tears rolled down her cheeks.

She was the one who'd pinched Ethan's tender skin to leave those marks. The whole scheme was meant to frame Evelyn and get her fired from Nathaniel's company. She'd even roped Gabrielle into being her unwitting accomplice.

But that cunning Evelyn had outsmarted her by recording everything!

Amelia masked her panic with dramatic sobs. "Samuel, I don't understand either! Who would harm an innocent child? Maybe the nanny did it when I wasn't looking because Ethan was being difficult?"

Anyone who hurt children deserved the harshest punishment.

Samuel's brow furrowed. "We're calling the authorities. Every staff member who's had contact with Ethan will be investigated thoroughly."

Seeing her brother's determination, Amelia's blood ran cold. She couldn't protest without raising suspicion, so she'd have to devise an escape plan later.

Wiping her tears, she turned to Evelyn while cradling Ethan, forcing an apologetic expression. "Evelyn, please forgive my earlier outburst. I was just so distraught over my baby!"

Evelyn's lips curled. "No need to apologize, Miss Rivers. This isn't your first performance."

Amelia's face drained of color, her rehearsed lines evaporating.

Gabrielle bristled. "How dare you! Amelia's being gracious enough to apologize. Show some respect!"

Evelyn ignored the pawn and addressed Amelia directly. "Since you're so concerned, shouldn't you rush your precious son to the hospital?"

"Y-yes, of course!" Amelia feigned urgency, turning to Samuel. "Gabrielle and I will take Ethan for examination. You're busy with work—no need to come along!"

Samuel did have pressing matters but sent Oliver to assist. Concerned for his sister and nephew, he commanded Evelyn in a no-nonsense tone, "Miss Whitmore, accompany them as my representative. Report any developments immediately."

"Understood, Mr. Rivers." Evelyn bit back her reluctance. Defying her boss on her first day wasn't an option.

She needed this job to continue investigating her mother's past.

Hospitals made Evelyn's skin crawl, especially pediatric wards.

Amelia barred Evelyn from the examination room, leaving her to wait in the hallway. Soon, Amelia sent Gabrielle away too under the pretense of fetching water.