Chapter 17

The kitchen door swung open as Victoria Sinclair made her grand entrance. She sauntered up to Evelyn Carter with a calculated smile. "Evelyn, darling, do you really think some homemade soup will make Eleanor Whitmore suddenly support you?"

Evelyn's fingers tightened around the ladle.

Victoria leaned in, her perfume overpowering. "Let me share some exciting news. I've secured the services of Dr. Julian Montgomery - yes, that world-renowned cardiovascular surgeon - to operate on dear Eleanor. Once he saves her life, do you really think she'll object to Nathaniel marrying me?"

Though Alexander and Sebastian hadn't officially agreed yet, Victoria knew she could persuade Julian. Saving that old woman's life would remove the last obstacle between her and Nathaniel.

Evelyn knew about Eleanor's chronic heart condition. The family had searched for years for a suitable surgeon.

At least Eleanor would get proper treatment now, Evelyn thought bitterly.

She stood abruptly, the stool scraping against the tiles. "Congratulations in advance. May you and Nathaniel fill Whitmore Manor with children - though half of them will probably have different mothers. Now if you'll excuse me."

Victoria's eyes darkened like storm clouds. How dare this nobody speak to her like that?

In one swift motion, Victoria shoved the simmering pot off the stove, sending it crashing toward Evelyn.

"Look out!"

A figure burst into the kitchen. Evelyn turned to see Nathaniel - but he rushed past her to shield Victoria.

Boiling liquid splashed across Evelyn's hands. The physical pain was nothing compared to the searing ache in her chest.

She rushed to the sink, running cold water over her burns as Victoria's saccharine voice filled the air. "Nathaniel, my hand! It burns! But please don't blame Evelyn. I'm sure it was an accident."

Evelyn scoffed without turning around. What was the point in defending herself now?

Nathaniel suddenly grabbed her arm. "Evelyn! I never thought you'd stoop so low as to-"

His words died when he saw her blistered skin.

Evelyn met his gaze defiantly. "Stoop to what, Nathaniel?"

"Evelyn Carter! How dare you attack Ms. Sinclair!" Beatrice Harrington stormed in, taking in the scene. Without waiting for explanation, she raised her hand to strike Evelyn.

Evelyn braced herself - but the blow never came.

Nathaniel's arm blocked his mother. Evelyn stared in shock. Since when did he protect her?

The entire kitchen seemed to hold its breath.

Beatrice looked scandalized. "Nathaniel! Don't interfere when I'm disciplining her!"

Nathaniel's voice turned glacial. "It was clearly an accident."

"An accident?" Beatrice scoffed.

Victoria clenched her jaw. Why was Nathaniel defending Evelyn?

She quickly put on a pitiful expression. "Mrs. Whitmore, it truly was an accident. Evelyn got hurt too."

Evelyn turned off the faucet with deliberate calm. "No. It wasn't an accident. Victoria pushed that pot intentionally."

The tension crackled like electricity.

Evelyn held Nathaniel's gaze unflinchingly. The divorce papers were signed. She had nothing left to lose.

She pointed to the security camera in the corner. "Check the footage. Under state law, assault causing bodily harm carries a three-year sentence. These burns require medical attention. I have every right to press charges."

Victoria paled. She hadn't noticed the camera.

Nathaniel's expression darkened. "We'll review the footage immediately."

Victoria grabbed Beatrice's arm. "Mrs. Whitmore, I only wanted to help serve the soup! I'm so clumsy - we both got burned because of me!"

Beatrice patted her hand. "Of course it was an accident, dear. A refined young lady like you wouldn't know your way around a kitchen. Unlike some people who probably staged this whole thing." She shot Evelyn a venomous look. "Let's get you to the doctor immediately. We can't have you scarring."

As Victoria moved to leave, she cast a pleading look at Nathaniel.

His gaze lingered on Evelyn's injured hands before he ordered, "Everyone to the living room. Summon Dr. Reynolds immediately."

"Yes, Nathaniel," Beatrice agreed. "Ms. Sinclair's care is our top priority."

Evelyn's lips twisted in a bitter smile. Of course Victoria mattered more.

As they filed out, Evelyn called after Nathaniel, "Don't forget to check that footage. I want my name cleared."

This wasn't over. Not by a long shot.