Chapter 479

Evelyn had better remember her place and stay far away from Nathaniel from now on!

As Nathaniel's footsteps faded down the hallway, Samuel turned toward the restroom with icy detachment. "Come out. He's gone."

The door clicked open, revealing Evelyn. She smoothed her skirt nervously. "Thank you, Mister Samuel. I owe you for that timely intervention."

Samuel barely acknowledged her gratitude. His attention shifted to the hospital bed where his nephew lay receiving IV fluids. He pressed a hand against the boy's forehead, checking for fever. Satisfied with the normal temperature, some tension left his shoulders.

Amelia approached. "Samuel, Ethan's fine. Just a minor allergic reaction. There's no need to interrogate the household staff."

"Good." Samuel's nod was curt before his gaze sharpened on his sister. "Amelia, motherhood requires preparation. You can't afford mistakes with a child's wellbeing. Especially since Ethan is—"

Amelia cut him off before he could mention the adoption. "I'm reading parenting books daily, Samuel. I'll improve." She forced a smile. "You shouldn't have left work for this. Go back before your meetings pile up."

Samuel had indeed cleared urgent matters before rushing over. Seeing both sister and child stable, he turned to leave. "Stay with Ethan. I'll send a car later."

"Of course." Amelia nodded.

As Samuel reached the door, Gabrielle's meaningful glance reminded Amelia of their earlier conversation. "Wait! Aunt Beatrice's birthday tomorrow—you've arranged a date, right?"

Samuel's gaze flicked to Gabrielle's hopeful expression before landing on Evelyn lurking nearby. "Already handled."

Gabrielle's face fell.

Amelia blinked. "With whom?"

A beat of silence. Then: "Miss Whitmore."

Evelyn startled at her name. She'd been mentally calculating escape routes, not expecting to be dragged into this. Under Samuel's commanding stare, she swallowed hard. "Yes! That's correct. I'm accompanying Mister Rivers tomorrow."

Gabrielle's glare could have melted steel. "Her?"

Amelia looked equally shocked. "Samuel, you and Evelyn—"

"Enough." Samuel cut her off with a dismissive wave. "Miss Whitmore, with me. Now."

Evelyn followed obediently. "Yes, Mister Rivers."

In the car's front seat, Evelyn sat rigidly proper. From the backseat, Samuel's mocking voice sliced through the silence. "Tell me, Miss Whitmore—does Nathaniel Grayson still terrify you that much?"