Chapter 57

Abigail's blood ran cold when she saw her grandmother Margaret considering Evelyn's words. She couldn't let this happen.

"Grandma, don't listen to her lies!" she interrupted sharply. "If she was truly ill, why hide in this room with another man instead of going to the hospital? Our family can't accept such disgraceful behavior. Evelyn Whitmore is nothing but trouble - first stealing Gabrielle's watch yesterday, and now this!"

Gabrielle played the magnanimous victim perfectly. "It's just a watch, ma'am. Not worth mentioning. But what Evelyn's done today... betraying Nathaniel like this? Unforgivable."

Evelyn's face had lost all color, yet she managed a weak smile. She pushed the blanket aside, struggling to rise. "You don't have to believe me, Grandma Margaret. But I would never dishonor the Grayson name."

Margaret's heart clenched seeing Evelyn's pallid face and unsteady movements. She reached out to steady the girl.

Benjamin couldn't contain his fury any longer. He stormed forward, grabbing Evelyn's collar. "Enough with the act! No one's buying your lies. Just confess and spare us the drama!"

Christopher stepped between them, forcibly removing Benjamin's grip. "Back off! Can't you see she's ill?"

Benjamin sneered. "Oh, protecting your lover now? How touching."

Christopher's usual pleasant demeanor vanished. His eyes turned icy. "Careful with your accusations, Mister Rivers. Slander carries consequences."

The sudden shift in Christopher's demeanor made Benjamin falter. He muttered, "It's not slander when we caught you two together!"

Ignoring him, Christopher turned to steady Evelyn as she swayed. "Evelyn? How bad is it?"

Before she could answer, a deep voice cut through the tension like a blade. "What exactly is happening here?"

Everyone froze.

Nathaniel stood framed in the doorway, his posture rigid, hands in his pockets. His expression was unreadable, but the air around him crackled with restrained fury. Lucas stood behind him, equally grim.

Abigail seized her chance. "Nathaniel! We caught Evelyn cheating with that man!"

"Silence!" Nathaniel's command sent Abigail stumbling back in shock.

She thought his anger confirmed her victory - surely Evelyn was finished now.

Nathaniel's gaze darkened dangerously as he took in the scene: Christopher's hands on Evelyn's shoulders, her ghostly pallor, the accusing stares of the crowd. His jaw tightened.