Chapter 81

Evelyn turned to face Abigail, her finger pointing accusingly. "You! This is another one of your schemes! You must have hired this woman to impersonate me!"

Nathaniel's grandmother Margaret gasped in shock.

Evelyn spread her hands wide in innocence. "Abigail, will you only be satisfied if I'm the escort like you wanted?"

Abigail's face twisted in anger. "What do you mean, like I wanted? You are the escort!"

A sharp slap echoed through the police station as Margaret struck her granddaughter across the face.

"You disgraceful girl!" Margaret panted, her hand still raised. "After the scene at home, now you're causing trouble here? Evelyn is your sister-in-law! How dare you humiliate her like this!"

Abigail touched her stinging cheek in disbelief. "Grandmother... you hit me? You've never laid a hand on me before!" Tears welled in her eyes.

Margaret's expression softened momentarily before hardening again. "I should have disciplined you sooner! Apologize to Evelyn immediately!"

"I won't apologize!" Abigail screamed hysterically. "She's the escort! Evelyn Whitmore sold herself at that hotel!"

Before anyone could react, Abigail lunged at Evelyn, her hands closing around her throat. "Admit it! Admit you're that cheap whore from the hotel!"

Evelyn choked, unable to speak as Abigail shook her violently.

Officers rushed forward. "Stop! This is a police station!"

Margaret nearly collapsed from distress. "Abigail, stop this madness!"

Nathaniel entered just then, catching his grandmother before she fell. His voice cut through the chaos like ice. "Release her. Now."

Normally terrified of her brother, Abigail stood her ground this time. "Nathaniel, you can't marry this woman!"

His expression darkened dangerously. "I won't say it again."

Abigail immediately released Evelyn, cowering under Nathaniel's glare.

Nathaniel passed Margaret to Lucas before striding to Evelyn. He tilted her chin up, examining the red marks on her neck. "Are you stupid?" he hissed. "Why didn't you defend yourself?"

Evelyn scowled. "Oh wonderful, now I'm being blamed for being attacked! Typical Grayson logic - punish the victim!"

Nathaniel's tension eased slightly at her sharp retort. He pinched her cheek. "Still got that sharp tongue, I see."

Evelyn rubbed her face indignantly. "First choking, now pinching? I stand by my statement - unreasonable, the lot of you!"

Nathaniel actually chuckled, ruffling her hair before turning his glare back to Abigail. "Go home. Now."

Abigail whimpered, "Nathaniel—"

But he'd already turned away, his attention solely on Evelyn's injuries. "Does it hurt?" he asked quietly.

"Not as much as your pinching," Evelyn muttered.

The corner of Nathaniel's mouth twitched. "Be more careful next time."

Evelyn rolled her eyes and turned away.

Abigail watched this exchange with growing fury. Nathaniel had never shown such patience with any woman before. Her hatred for Evelyn burned hotter.

'This isn't over,' Abigail vowed silently.

As Lucas helped Margaret outside with Abigail following, two officers escorted a handcuffed Edward Whitmore into the station. Spotting Abigail, the man lunged forward desperately.

"Mrs. Grayson! Oh thank heavens! Please, you have to help me!"

Abigail paled, avoiding his gaze. "You're mistaken! I don't know you!"