Chapter 222

Nathaniel rolled down the car window. His eyes darkened instantly when he spotted the couple locked in an embrace.

Robert, sitting beside him, blinked in surprise. "Isn't that Dr. Julian?"

"My vision is perfectly clear. I don’t need your commentary," Nathaniel snapped.

His fingers, which had been hovering near the door handle, slowly withdrew.

As Evelyn neared the neighborhood entrance, the chaotic crowd nearly sent her stumbling.

Her face drained of color in sheer panic.

Thankfully, Julian arrived just in time to steady her.

A stampede could have been disastrous for her pregnancy.

Still shaken, Julian scolded gently, "Evelyn, you can’t act recklessly like this, especially now!"

She gave him a sheepish grin. "I know. I saw Aunt Margaret rushing out and got worried. I didn’t expect such a mob."

"Evelyn, you have six brothers for a reason. Let us handle things like this next time," Julian reminded her.

He lightly tapped her forehead. "No more impulsive moves."

Nodding obediently, she walked with him toward the old neighborhood.

But then she paused, glancing back at the road with an inexplicable sense of unease.

Shaking it off, she followed Julian inside. Seeing Margaret safe, relief flooded through her.

Predictably, her brothers launched into another round of lecturing.

Margaret frowned in concern. "Even with Optima Construction bankrupt, will the demolition still happen?"

Alexander reassured her confidently, "Don’t worry. The redevelopment is proceeding as planned."

Evelyn, however, remained skeptical. This whole situation had always felt precarious.

Soon, a group of uniformed officials arrived, megaphone in hand.

"Good afternoon, everyone. We represent Vista Properties, the new acquiring company. Please line up to sign one by one. Let’s keep this process smooth for all."

A queue quickly formed.

Evelyn’s brows shot up. "Vista Properties? Seriously?"

Alexander cleared his throat pointedly. "Ahem, Evelyn, you should feel reassured. A corporation this large offers stability."

But she wasn’t comforted.

Vista Properties was part of Victoria’s eldest brother’s empire. What if this was another one of her schemes?

Evelyn wasn’t about to let her guard down.

Julian squeezed her shoulder. "Don’t overthink it. Alexander works there—he wouldn’t vouch for them if they weren’t reliable."

Evelyn bit back a sigh. How could she explain her complicated history with Nathaniel and Victoria to him?

For now, she’d have to play it by ear.

Cassandra, ever the opportunist, shoved Bob and Beverly forward. "These are the rightful owners. Let them sign first!"

Bob and Beverly nodded eagerly. "Yes, that’s right!"

But Maxwell, the officer in charge, shook his head. "I’m afraid you’re not the legal owners. Only the spouse listed on the deed has signing authority."

Bob scowled. "My brother Edward is in a coma! As his family, I have every right—"

"The property is under his wife’s name. Without her signature, you have no legal standing."

Beverly gasped, outraged. "This is ridiculous! She’s practically remarried! Why should she get the compensation?"

Just then, Evelyn and her six brothers approached, their presence commanding immediate silence.

The air grew thick with tension.