Chapter 191
Evelyn couldn't suppress a quiet laugh at Beatrice's stunned expression.
Honestly, Nathaniel had only used that excuse to dismiss Evelyn's adoptive parents, who had shown up unannouncedโbegging for money.
She hadn't expected him to turn it into a sharp retort against Beatrice, delivered with zero deference.
His gaze flicked to Evelyn the next second, making her breath catch.
It was strange, really. She hadn't even been the one to speak.
Nathaniel's voice was icy. "Why did you transfer a hundred thousand dollars to me?"
Evelyn blinked. "I was repaying your mother. Since I didnโt have her account details, I sent it to you. Could you forward it to her?"
He glanced at Beatrice. "What happened?"
"Nathaniel, Evelynโs adoptive parents came demanding money. I gave them the hundred thousand just to get rid of them. Itโs not a significant amount," Beatrice replied dismissively.
His brows drew together. "You shouldnโt have."
He knew exactly what kind of people Evelynโs adoptive family wereโopportunistic leeches. Give them an inch, and theyโd take a mile.
"Nathaniel, I know you think itโs a waste, but consider it a small price to pay for peace," Beatrice reasoned.
His lips thinned. He didnโt say it was a waste. He said it was a mistake. Feeding their greed would only invite more trouble.
Evelyn scoffed. "If thatโs all, Iโll be leaving. If they show up again, donโt let them in."
She turned on her heel and walked out without another word.
Outside, the night was thick and still. The upscale neighborhood had no public transport, and taxis were nonexistent.
A sleek black car rolled up beside her moments later. The driver lowered the window. "Mrs. Whitmore, let me take you home."
"No need," she said stiffly.
The driver persisted. "You wonโt find a cab here, maโam. Besides, I need to drop something off for Mr. Whitmore anyway."
Evelyn hesitated, then relented. Pride was one thing, but safety was another.
The silence in the car was heavy. She glanced at the driver. "Thank you."
"Of course."
From the rearview mirror, he watched her exhale in quiet resignation. Relief settled in his chest.
If heโd failed to bring her back, he wouldnโt have known how to face his boss.
At a red light, he quickly typed out a message to Robert. Mrs. Whitmore is in the car.
Robert read the text and hurried upstairsโonly to walk into a heated argument between Nathaniel and Beatrice.
Beatrice was fuming. "Nathaniel, youโre divorced. Why wonโt you clear out the walk-in closet? What if Victoria moves in and sees all of Evelynโs things still here?"
Nathanielโs patience was fraying. "Mother, this engagement is a business arrangement. Nothing more."
"Thatโs ridiculous. Victoria is perfectโbeautiful, well-connected, obedient. Sheโd make an ideal wife. Forget the pretense. Make it real."
He pinched the bridge of his nose. "Iโm thirty, not three. Stop barging into my room and dictating my life."
Beatriceโs temper flared. "Youโre my son! I have every right to check on you!"
"Youโve checked. Now leave." He ushered her out and shut the door firmly behind her.
She huffed, powerless against his stubbornness. "The engagement party is this weekend. Donโt embarrass us. The Sinclairs arenโt people you want to cross."