Chapter 77

Evelyn Carter stifled a laugh behind her hand, exchanging knowing glances with Julian Hartwell. "Absolutely nothing. We weren't discussing you at all."

"You'd better not be spreading rumors about me," Sophia Whitmore warned sharply.

Julian, normally so talkative, abruptly fell silent. "I need some air," he muttered, adopting an aloof demeanor in Sophia's presence.

The moment he stepped outside, his pleasant expression hardened into icy disdain at the sight of Nathan Sterling waiting there. Blocking the entrance with his body, Julian announced loudly, "You're not welcome here."

Nathan motioned for Simon to present a lavish gift basket. "Please deliver this to her."

"Take that trash elsewhere!" Julian waved dismissively. "Our Evelyn deserves better than your pathetic attempts at apology."

"Is she awake?" Nathan barely acknowledged Julian's presence. Some pretty-boy singer posed no real threat - not like Harrison Whitmore did. That man made Nathan's instincts flare with warning.

"She's awake and recovering splendidly. Now leave." Sophia joined Julian in the doorway, forming an impenetrable barrier.

"See that she's properly cared for," Nathan said before turning away.

This dismissal ignited Julian's temper. "We're taking care of Evelyn because we love her, you arrogant bastard! Not because you ordered us to!"

Sophia tugged Julian's sleeve. "Lower your voice. Evelyn needs rest."

"You're right," Julian conceded with a reluctant smile.

Their eyes met briefly before they both turned away, the unspoken tension between them thickening the air.

At dinner time, Beatrice Whitmore visited Evelyn's room, presenting an elegant leather portfolio. "Harrison asked me to give you this."

Inside, Evelyn found damning photographs of Isabella Delaney exchanging cash with a shadowy figure. Her grip tightened until her knuckles bleached white.

"I always thought Nathan's mistress was just a petty, manipulative woman," Beatrice whispered, trembling. "I never imagined she could be this monstrous. Thank heaven you survived."

Evelyn took Beatrice's shaking hands in her own steady ones. "Don't worry, Aunt Beatrice. I'll be back on my feet in no time."

A dangerous glint flashed in Evelyn's eyes. "If she wants to play dirty, I'll return the favor tenfold."

Days later, exiting the international terminal at Pamore Airport, Evelyn came face-to-face with Nathan and Isabella.

Isabella placed a protective hand on her swollen belly, smirking as she leaned into Nathan. "What a shame your accident wasn't more... conclusive, Ms. Carter. Shouldn't you still be convalescing?"

The missed opportunity to eliminate her rival still burned in Isabella's mind.

"Save your concern for yourself, murderer," Evelyn replied casually, watching Isabella's smirk freeze solid. Had this bitch actually uncovered the truth?

But she'd been so careful! The driver had been paid and dispatched to another continent. This was impossible!

Right on cue, a swarm of reporters descended, microphones nearly gouging Isabella's eyes in their frenzy.

"Ms. Delaney! You're trending worldwide for allegedly hiring an assassin! Care to comment?"

"Is the story true?"

"Did you return because Interpol requested it? Do you think you'll avoid prison?"

Isabella had become public enemy number one during her flight. She looked desperately to Nathan, only to find him staring at her with dawning horror.

"What are they talking about?" Nathan demanded, his voice like cracking ice.

"Lies! All lies!" Isabella shrieked, then turned on the reporters. "I'll sue every one of your publications into oblivion!"

A police cruiser pulled up, officers emerging through the parted crowd.

"Ms. Delaney, you're needed for questioning regarding a serious crime. Please come with us."

Isabella's legs buckled as she clutched at Nathan. "Believe me, darling! I didn't do anything!"

Nathan stepped forward. "Officers, there must be some mistake-"

"We have substantial evidence linking Ms. Delaney to the crime," one officer stated firmly. "This is just routine questioning."

As they led the sobbing Isabella away, reporters swarmed Evelyn instead.

"Ms. Carter! Have you fully recovered?"

"Do you think Ms. Delaney is being framed?"