Chapter 115

A deep, commanding voice cut through the tense atmosphere of the office like a knife.

Evelyn spun around, her breath catching as she saw Nathaniel's imposing figure framed in the doorway. His broad shoulders seemed to block out all light from the corridor behind him.

An unexpected warmth spread through her chest despite the gravity of the situation.

Nathaniel strode into the room with effortless authority that made everyone straighten their posture.

Theodore Winslow quickly stepped forward. "Mr. Whitmore, this is an unexpected honor. To what do we owe this visit?"

Nathaniel's piercing gaze never wavered as he stated, "I'm here to clarify. The vehicle in that photograph is mine."

The revelation hit Theodore like a physical blow. His face paled as he struggled to maintain his composure.

The last thing he'd anticipated was Nathaniel Whitmore's involvement in this matter.

"O-of course, Mr. Whitmore," Theodore stammered. "We're merely conducting routine inquiries. No offense intended."

Nathaniel casually took a seat on the leather sofa. "By all means, continue your investigation."

Turning back to Theodore, Evelyn handed over a document. "Here's the IP address of the person who started these rumors."

Theodore accepted the evidence with trembling hands. "Rest assured, we take such matters very seriously. The university won't tolerate this kind of behavior."

His eyes darted nervously to Nathaniel. "Unless... Mr. Whitmore, would you prefer to handle this differently?"

No one in the room could have guessed the complex relationship between Evelyn and Nathaniel.

Now it made sense why Nathaniel had personally attended the awards ceremony last week. It had been for Evelyn all along.

Nathaniel stood abruptly, locking eyes with Evelyn. "We're leaving."

Evelyn followed him out, stealing glances at his profile. "Thank you," she murmured.

"I'm just preventing this from reaching Eleanor," Nathaniel replied tersely.

A shadow crossed Evelyn's face. "I understand," she said quietly, pushing down the flicker of disappointment.

Nathaniel shifted uncomfortably. "How did you obtain that IP address?"

Evelyn looked away. "A friend helped me."

Nathaniel's jaw tightened. He wondered if this "friend" was the famous actor who'd presented her award.

The thought unsettled him more than he cared to admit. "I have meetings all afternoon. Contact Robert if you need anything."

Evelyn's eyes widened in surprise at his abrupt tone.

"Don't overcomplicate this," Nathaniel added. "Let Robert handle anything beyond your control. It's better to contain situations before they escalate."

Evelyn forced a casual smile. "Understood. There won't be any more incidents."

Nathaniel strode away without another word, his long legs carrying him swiftly across campus.

Robert Chambers remained behind, bowing slightly. "Mrs. Whitmore, Mr. Whitmore was already on his way when he heard about your situation."

Evelyn nodded silently.

She understood perfectly - Nathaniel's intervention wasn't about protecting her, but about shielding Eleanor from worry.

Still, she refused to dwell on that painful truth.

Robert handed her a business card. "My direct line, Mrs. Whitmore. Day or night."

Evelyn returned to the library after he left, her mind racing.

That evening at home, Evelyn calmly explained to her brothers, "It's been resolved. Sebastian helped track down the culprit."

Sebastian Montgomery shrugged. "Anytime, little sister. My hacking skills are at your disposal."

Evelyn sent him a grateful heart emoji.

Having her family's support gave Evelyn strength. She wasn't facing these battles alone.

By morning, the offensive posts had vanished from the university forum. An official statement denounced the rumors as baseless.

Cassandra Ellington faced severe consequences - academic probation and revocation of her guaranteed graduate admission.

Sophia Bennett shook her head in disbelief when she found Evelyn between classes. "I never imagined Cassandra would go this far."

"She couldn't stand seeing you succeed," Sophia continued. "The investigation uncovered her history of spreading malicious rumors. Justice served!"

Evelyn simply nodded, already moving past the incident. She had more important things to focus on than petty jealousy.