Chapter 261

Nathaniel's grip tightened around Evelyn as Julian's voice cut through the tension. "Put her down right now! Who gave you the right to hold her like this?"

Turning slowly, Nathaniel met Julian's furious gaze with icy composure. "You stay away from her."

"Don't make me repeat myself, Nathaniel." Julian took a threatening step forward, his jaw clenched. "Let. Her. Go."

"Not happening. Back off."

The air between them crackled with hostility, thick enough to choke on.

Then—

Evelyn stirred, her lashes fluttering open. Blinking against the harsh lights, she found herself trapped between the two men, their heated standoff sending shivers down her spine.

She lifted a trembling hand. "Uh... can someone explain what's going on?"

Both men snapped their attention to her. "You're awake?"

Julian rushed closer, his voice laced with concern. "Evelyn, are you hurt? Tell me where it hurts—anything at all."

She shook her head weakly. "I'm fine."

Then she realized—Nathaniel was still holding her. Heat flooded her cheeks. "You can... put me down now."

Nathaniel's expression darkened. "I'm taking you to the exam room."

"Wait—just set her on the stretcher," Julian interjected, gesturing to the medical team waiting nearby.

Evelyn spotted the nurses and doctors hovering with a gurney. She glanced at Nathaniel. "Really, it's fine. People are staring."

After a tense pause, Nathaniel reluctantly lowered her onto the stretcher, shooting Julian a glare that could freeze hell.

As the wheels rolled forward, Evelyn exhaled, watching the ceiling lights blur past. She turned her head slightly, offering Julian a small, reassuring smile. "I'm okay. Don't worry."

Julian sighed, raking a hand through his hair before rounding on Nathaniel. "Where did you find her? What happened to the bastards who took her?"

His fists clenched. Whoever dared lay a finger on Evelyn would pay.

Nathaniel adjusted his cuffs, his tone clipped. "Police have them."

Julian gave a stiff nod, though his glare didn't soften. "For Evelyn's sake, I'll let this slide. For now."

But this wasn't over. Once Evelyn was cleared, he and Nathaniel were going to have words.

With that, Julian hurried after the gurney. Pregnant or not, he wasn't letting her out of his sight again.

Nathaniel watched him go, irritation coiling in his chest. He straightened his tie, the motion sharp.

Inside the exam room, Evelyn stared at the sterile walls, her hand drifting to her stomach.

"Evelyn."

Julian entered, flipping through her chart. "The baby's stable. You're good."

She nodded. "Sorry for scaring everyone."

"This wasn't your fault. We should've dealt with your adoptive family sooner." Guilt gnawed at him.

Evelyn managed a tired smile. "You've done more than enough for me."

"Just rest. I'll handle things."

Her gaze flicked to the door. "Julian... what were you and Nathaniel arguing about earlier?"

She'd been half-conscious, but their voices had jolted her awake.

Julian shifted uncomfortably. "He refused to let go of you. I told him to back off, but he—"

"That's it?"

"Yeah. Why was he holding you like that in the first place? If you hadn't woken up when you did—" His jaw tightened. "If I hadn't held back because he found you first, I would've knocked him out."