Chapter 394

Julian pressed his lips together. "Evelyn, you don't have to do this. Even if you go after Jonathan, Nathaniel wouldn't dare lay a finger on you."

"Julian, my mind is made up. I can't back out now," Evelyn sighed.

She knew her brothers would stop at nothing to protect her from Nathaniel, but she refused to drag them into her mess. Besides, she was leaving soon. There was no point stirring up unnecessary trouble.

Julian frowned but relented for her sake.

However, dropping the charges against Jonathan was out of the question. Even if they couldn't prosecute him for Evelyn's injury, there were other ways to make him pay.

But Julian kept their plans to himself.

Both siblings had their secrets, and the topic was dropped.

Back at Julian's apartment, Evelyn immediately called Jonathan from the bathroom. "Withdraw the charges. We're not pursuing this anymore."

"Evelyn, giving up so soon? What did your ex offer you?" Jonathan sneered.

"None of your business. Just drop it. And as for your mother, I won't press charges against her either. We're even now," Evelyn snapped.

Jonathan persisted, "Evelyn, now that everything's cleared up, why don't you come back to the studio? I—"

Evelyn hung up before he could finish. She wasn't sparing Judith for Jonathan's sake—she was protecting her child. The thought of seeing either of them again made her stomach turn.

Soon, Christopher returned with an assortment of delicious food for Evelyn.

His careful attention told her he still blamed himself for her injury. She could feel the love radiating from her brothers.

That settled it. She would return to Nord City and live with them.

Late that night, Andrew arrived straight from the airport, but Evelyn was already asleep.

Julian waited for him in the living room. "Don't let Evelyn find out," he murmured.

Andrew nodded. "I know. I've already arranged Jonathan's... consequences."

Christopher's expression darkened. "We can't let them off easy. That snake still thinks he has a chance with her. Dream on."

After a brief discussion, the three brothers agreed—Jonathan wouldn't escape unscathed.

Evelyn stayed at Julian's place for two more days. Once her wounds had nearly healed, she returned to her studies to prepare for exams.

As she stepped out of the library, a middle-aged woman rushed toward her. "Evelyn! I've been looking everywhere for you! Why aren't you answering my calls?"

Evelyn's smile vanished at the sight of Judith. "I don't owe you anything."

She had blocked Judith's number long ago.

"Evelyn, I know I acted rashly at the hospital. I'm sorry. Please don't hold it against an old woman like me," Judith begged.

Evelyn frowned. "Let go. I don't want to see you, and I don't accept your apology. I made myself clear to Jonathan. Don't come looking for me again."

"Evelyn, wait! Don't you know?" Judith cried. "Jonathan's been arrested!"