Chapter 367

Evelyn Carter's guilt was palpable as she studied Jonathan Reeves' battered face. The bruises and swelling made his expression unreadable, and after several failed attempts to decipher it, she gave up with a quiet sigh.

Hesitantly, she spoke. "Jonathan, don't worry. I'll cover all the medical costs. This was just a misunderstanding—please don't hold my brother accountable."

If Christopher Montgomery were prosecuted for the assault, the consequences would be severe. She couldn’t bear the thought of him facing legal trouble because of her.

Judith Reeves, Jonathan’s mother, was another concern. Evelyn knew Judith wouldn’t let this slide. She was the type to pursue justice—or vengeance—relentlessly.

Jonathan frowned, lost in thought. Had he misheard his attackers? He distinctly remembered them warning him to stay away from someone’s wife. But what if they had actually said "sister"? The words were similar enough to confuse in the heat of the moment.

It made more sense this way. Evelyn’s ex-husband was already divorcing her—why would he attack Jonathan over her? But if the culprit was her brother, everything fell into place.

Just then, Judith stormed into the hospital room.

Jonathan quickly flipped his notepad shut, hiding what he’d written. His eyes flicked toward the door, where two police officers followed Judith inside.

Evelyn’s stomach twisted with guilt. Should she warn Christopher first? Or should she contact Andrew immediately, so he could prepare a legal defense?

Her fingers trembled as she discreetly typed a message to Andrew on her phone. "Hypothetically… how many years in prison for intentional assault?"

At least knowing the potential consequences would help her brace for what was coming.

Andrew’s reply was immediate. "Why? Are you in trouble?"

"Just answer the question, Andrew."

"Depends. If you hit someone, no big deal. But if someone hits you? They’re looking at life."

Evelyn almost laughed at his arrogance. Was he serious?

"Really?" she typed skeptically.

"I lie to everyone else, but never to you." As a skilled lawyer, Andrew knew how to twist words—but with Evelyn, his only sister, he was blunt.

Reluctantly, she believed him. At least with Andrew in her corner, she could breathe a little easier.

Her gaze drifted absently to Jonathan, unaware of what he’d scribbled in his notes.

The officers stood after their questioning. "We’ve got a general idea of what happened. We’ll update you if there’s progress in the investigation."

Judith bristled. "How long will that take? Look at his injuries! I want the culprit found now—and I’ll make sure they pay!"

Evelyn’s pulse spiked. Judith adored Jonathan—she wouldn’t let this go lightly.

Yet Jonathan reached out, gripping his mother’s wrist and shaking his head.

Judith collapsed against him, tears streaming. "Jonathan, I’ve never even scolded you, let alone let someone hurt you like this. When I find out who did it—I don’t care how old I am, I’ll make them regret it!"