Chapter 246

Evelyn was completely unprepared for Nathaniel's sudden reappearance.

His polished Oxfords came to an abrupt stop on the marble floor. Those piercing gray eyes locked onto her with unsettling intensity. "Release me," he ordered in that deep baritone that always sent shivers down her spine.

Flushing slightly, Evelyn immediately dropped his arm. "Nathaniel, the engagement ceremony has already begun. We should—"

Beatrice cut in sharply, "Yes, we've delayed long enough. Any more tardiness would be unforgivable."

"Evelyn, contact your brothers immediately," Nathaniel commanded unexpectedly. "See if they can join us for the celebration."

Her fingers trembled slightly as she dialed Alexander's number. No answer.

She quickly typed out a WhatsApp message, though she doubted he'd respond. Not that it mattered now—Nathaniel was here.

Penelope's shrill voice cut through the tension. "Wait just a minute! Did Evelyn just attack me? Nathaniel darling, you arrived just in time to witness your wife's violent outburst!"

Evelyn didn't bother denying it, standing silently with her chin lifted in defiance.

After a charged pause, Nathaniel stepped forward until his shadow fell over Evelyn, the scent of his expensive cologne enveloping her.

"Care to explain?" His voice was deceptively calm.

"What's there to explain?" Evelyn met his gaze head-on. "You never believe me anyway. Why waste my breath?"

For the first time in three years, she thought she saw something different in his eyes—not the usual contempt, but something resembling... concern?

Nathaniel studied her with an unreadable expression, his mind clearly wrestling with some internal conflict. The revelation that Evelyn had persuaded Julian to operate on Eleanor had shaken him to his core.

Yet she'd never mentioned it.

The thought of Evelyn's closeness with Julian sent an inexplicable pang through his chest—like sand slipping through his fingers.

"Evelyn," he said quietly, "it seems I've never truly known you."

Her laugh was bitter. "The feeling is mutual. So spare me your sudden epiphany."

Penelope couldn't resist interjecting. "Evelyn, Nathaniel asked you a question. Stop evading!"

Evelyn turned to face her squarely. "Yes, I hit her. Happy now?"

"See? She admits it!" Penelope crowed triumphantly.

Evelyn held Nathaniel's gaze, bracing for the familiar condemnation. Instead, he turned that icy glare on Penelope.

"Apologize," he demanded.

Penelope blinked. "Me? Why on earth would I—"

"To your sister-in-law," Nathaniel clarified, his voice dropping dangerously. "Show some respect. Who gave you permission to address her so informally?"

The collective gasp in the room was almost comical.

Evelyn stared at Nathaniel in utter disbelief. Was he forgetting this was his engagement day? How could he say such things in front of Victoria?

Right on cue, Victoria burst into tears. "Nathaniel!"

Beatrice stepped forward, her voice sharp with warning. "If Evelyn is her sister-in-law, then what does that make Victoria?"