Chapter 478

Amelia knew Nathaniel hadn't told Samuel to stop searching for Evelyn's whereabouts these past few weeks.

That's why she feared what would happen if Nathaniel saw Evelyn now. What if they cleared up the misunderstanding caused by that child right then and there?

She couldn't let that happen. She had finally gotten Evelyn out of Nathaniel's life—she wouldn't stand by and watch them reconcile right in front of her.

Amelia's mind raced. There were things she couldn't say herself, so she discreetly tugged Gabrielle's hand.

Gabrielle startled at the sudden touch. When she turned and saw Amelia's pleading, pitiful expression, sympathy surged through her. An idea struck her.

"It's Samuel," she blurted. "I remember—it's Samuel who just went in. It must be Samuel in the restroom!"

"Samuel?" Nathaniel's hand froze on the door handle. He turned, about to head for the hallway restroom instead.

But before he could step away, the door swung open—and in walked Samuel.

"Amelia, how's Nathaniel doing?"

Amelia and Gabrielle's faces paled.

Damn it. Why now? Their lie was about to unravel.

Nathaniel frowned. He glanced at Samuel, then back at the locked restroom door, suspicion darkening his gaze.

Samuel, oblivious, nodded in greeting. "Nathaniel. Didn't expect to see you here."

Nathaniel ignored him. His cold stare pinned Gabrielle. "Who's really in there?"

Amelia and Gabrielle stiffened, scrambling for an answer.

Samuel took in the tense atmosphere, then the absence of Evelyn. Realization dawned.

"It's Oliver," he said smoothly. "Nathaniel, if you need the restroom, there's one down the hall to the left."

"Oliver?" Nathaniel studied the door for a long moment before the tension in his shoulders eased.

He never would've guessed the woman he'd been searching for relentlessly was hiding just behind that door.

Exhaustion shadowed his deep-set eyes. "Samuel, since you're here, I'll leave them in your care. I have a flight to catch."

Samuel's frown deepened. He didn't like how casually Nathaniel dismissed Amelia and Ethan.

As Nathaniel turned to leave, Amelia rushed forward, catching his sleeve. "Nathaniel."

He paused. "Yes?"

Her doe eyes shimmered with concern. "It's getting colder. Please remember to dress warmly on your trip."

Nathaniel gave a curt nod. "Take care of yourself—and the child."

Amelia smiled sweetly. "Of course. Ethan will be fully recovered by the time you return."

A noncommittal hum was his only reply before he walked out.

Amelia's heart ached watching him go, but she couldn't risk him staying—not with Evelyn still hiding in the bathroom.

A smirk curled her lips as she glanced at the restroom door.

Evelyn must be seething, hearing us exchange such tender words.