Chapter 391

The phone call continued as Nathaniel turned to Evelyn, his stormy gray eyes darkening like gathering thunderclouds. He cleared his throat roughly before responding, "Understood."

Evelyn caught the dangerous shift in Nathaniel's expression, her stomach twisting with sudden apprehension.

Nathaniel's voice dropped to a menacing growl. "So you're testifying for Jonathan and accusing me of kidnapping and assault?"

The words made Evelyn recall her recent police station visit with Jonathan. Her lashes fluttered nervously. She had thought using Eleanor as leverage would protect her.

But she never expected the elderly woman to wake up at this critical juncture.

Though guilt gnawed at her conscience for involving Eleanor, Evelyn couldn't afford hesitation now. She had only mentioned Nathaniel's grandmother as a deterrent, never intending actual harm.

She knew Nathaniel's weakness. He would yield for Eleanor's sake.

Yet his sudden offer to halt their divorce proceedings—even sparing her unborn child—left her reeling. Just days ago he'd demanded she terminate the pregnancy. What game was he playing now?

As Evelyn wrestled with these thoughts, Nathaniel closed the distance between them, his piercing gaze demanding answers. "Well?"

He'd ordered Felix's beating to protect Evelyn from deception. And now she stood with Jonathan, ready to testify against him!

A bitter laugh escaped Nathaniel's lips. Never in his ruthless business dealings had he shown such mercy—except repeatedly for Evelyn.

And this was how she repaid him?

Evelyn swallowed hard, her voice barely above a whisper. "If you promise not to harm my baby, I'll convince Jonathan to drop the charges. I won't testify."

Nathaniel's laughter turned icy. "Do you truly believe you can blackmail me? If I wanted someone beaten, I'd ensure no evidence leads back to me. My hands are clean, Evelyn Carter. Those men would take the fall willingly. You're painfully naive."

Evelyn's breath hitched as she stumbled backward.

+15 BONOS

Nathaniel's smoldering gaze followed her retreat.

Suddenly, a familiar weight settled on Evelyn's shoulders as Julian's calm voice interrupted. "Mrs. Whitmore's examination is complete."

Turning toward her brother, Evelyn exhaled in relief.

But the moment Julian and Nathaniel locked eyes, the air crackled with tension.

Nathaniel's jaw tightened. Only Julian's role as Eleanor's physician kept his temper in check.

Julian returned the glare with equal disdain. He'd always despised Nathaniel. Soon Evelyn would be free—once Alexander finalized the divorce, they could leave Bern City forever.

The two men broke eye contact simultaneously, each finding the other intolerable.

Evelyn turned to Julian. "Where's Grandmother Eleanor now?"

"Moved to a regular ward. She needs complete rest—no visitors yet." Julian offered a reassuring smile.

"And the results?" Evelyn pressed.

"Positive. With proper care, she'll recover fully. Maintaining stable emotions is crucial during convalescence. I'll monitor her progress closely." Julian's professional tone softened slightly.