Chapter 253

Nathaniel's voice cut through the air like a knife, making Evelyn and Julian freeze mid-step. An uncomfortable silence settled between them, thick with unspoken tension.

They turned slowly, exchanging wary glances toward where Nathaniel stood.

As he approached Evelyn, her fingers twisted nervously in her sweater. "Y-Yes? Did you need something?" Her voice came out higher than intended.

Julian's jaw tightened. He'd never trusted Nathaniel, especially not with the way those piercing eyes studied Evelyn like she was some fascinating specimen.

Nathaniel stopped just inches away, extending his hand palm-up.

Evelyn's breath hitched when she spotted the SIM card resting in Julian's grip. The memory of her earlier blunder flooded back—how she'd nearly inserted it upside down in her panic.

She'd meant to fix it, but Julian had appeared at precisely the wrong moment. Terrified he might discover her connection to Nathaniel, she'd practically dragged Julian out of the store.

In her haste, the SIM card had never been properly seated.

Clearing her throat, Evelyn managed a quiet, "Thank you."

Her fingers had barely brushed the tiny chip when Julian snatched it from Nathaniel's hand. "Evelyn," he chided, "how many times must I tell you to be more careful?" He pocketed the card protectively. "I'll help you set this up properly at home."

Evelyn nodded, cheeks burning as she followed Julian out of the boutique, painfully aware of Nathaniel's gaze boring into her back.

Left alone, Nathaniel replayed Julian's words—"at home." His fingers clenched around his silk tie until the knuckles turned white.

Damn it all.

He never should have come to this godforsaken mall.

When Evelyn finally stepped through the Montgomery estate doors, she was immediately swarmed by her brothers. "Evelyn!" Alexander's sharp eyes zeroed in on her face. "What happened to your lip?"

"Oh, it's nothing," she waved a dismissive hand. "Just a tiny scratch."

During the drive home, Julian had warned her about the near-hysteria that had gripped the household when she'd gone missing.

Now facing six pairs of worried eyes, Evelyn dipped her head. "I'm so sorry for scaring you all. When my phone broke, I should've borrowed someone's to call."

Alexander's stern expression softened slightly. He'd been ready to lecture her about responsibility, but the genuine remorse in her eyes stopped him.

With a sigh, he crossed his arms. "Don't make this a habit."

Evelyn nodded vigorously. "I promise!"

Olivia squeezed her hand reassuringly. "Sweetheart, no need for promises. We just want you safe." Her smile turned mischievous. "Though with six brothers at your disposal, you've got your own personal security team."

A warm glow spread through Evelyn's chest. Sometimes she still pinched herself, unable to believe this loving family was truly hers.

From his sprawled position on the sofa, Daniel piped up, "As long as you're okay, that's what matters." He smirked. "Though I've already got plans brewing for those so-called parents of yours."

Evelyn's stomach dropped. "Daniel," she warned, "nothing illegal, please?"

Alexander patted her shoulder. "Don't worry your pretty little head."

But the way they exchanged glances only heightened her unease.

She grabbed Alexander's arm urgently. "I appreciate you wanting to protect me, but let's handle this properly. No shady business, okay?"

Olivia smoothly intervened. "Darling, your brothers know exactly where to draw the line." Her eyes sparkled with mischief. "There are countless ways to make Walter and Beverly's lives... interesting."

Evelyn tilted her head. "Interesting how?"

Andrew leaned forward, grinning. "My contacts dug up some juicy details about Edward and Giselle. That shotgun wedding? Turns out the baby might not be Edward's after all."