Chapter 429

The phone screen flashed with the name "Christopher." Nathaniel Whitmore's brows knitted together in confusion. Who the hell was Christopher?

His gaze remained fixed on Evelyn Carter's buzzing phone as it continued to ring.

Unable to suppress his curiosity any longer, Nathaniel finally answered.

Christopher's voice came through, warm and familiar. "Evelyn, I'm at the university gates. Are your classes over? I'm waiting outside for you."

The moment Nathaniel heard a man's voice, his expression darkened. "She doesn't need you to wait for her."

"Who is this?"

Christopher's tone turned icy as Nathaniel responded. "Let's keep this civil. Hand the phone to Evelyn. If you're after money or have demands, we can talk terms."

Nathaniel was momentarily stunned. Money? Since when had he ever needed to beg for it?

His lips thinned into a sharp line. "That's my line. From now on, you and your family stay away from Evelyn. Or don't blame me for what happens next."

With that, he ended the call.

Christopher stood frozen, the abrupt disconnect leaving him bewildered.

Had Evelyn been kidnapped again?

Panic surged through him as he dialed Andrew Montgomery. "Andrew, it's bad. Evelyn might be in danger."

"What happened? Tell me everything."

Christopher recounted the call, his voice tight with agitation. "You won't believe who answered. The guy was insufferably arrogant! But last I checked, Jonathan Reeves was still in custody, right?"

Andrew paused, considering. "Do you have a recording of the call? Play it for me. I might recognize the voice."

Christopher forwarded the recording immediately, then called back, impatience gnawing at him. "Well? Who was it?"

Andrew exhaled sharply. "If I'm not mistaken, that was Nathaniel Whitmore."

Christopher stiffened. "Nathaniel Whitmore? The heir to the Whitmore fortune? The same man Victoria Sinclair was bragging about marrying?"

"Exactly."

Christopher's jaw clenched. "You heard what he said. That wasn't the tone of a reasonable man. He clearly has ulterior motives toward Evelyn—and now he's got her."

"I understand your concern. But if Evelyn is with Nathaniel, at least she's safe for now. I'll handle this. Don't worry."

"Don't worry?" Christopher snapped. "Evelyn is my sister too. Why do I get the feeling you're hiding something? Is there history between her and Nathaniel?"

Christopher had always had a sharp instinct for these things.

Nathaniel's warning to stay away from Evelyn only confirmed his suspicions—there was more to this than met the eye.

But Andrew remained silent, refusing to elaborate.

The longer Christopher thought about it, the more unsettled he became.

He knew Evelyn had once worked as a caretaker for Eleanor Whitmore in the Whitmore estate—a role that, in wealthy households, was little more than a glorified maid.

What could possibly develop between a maid and a billionaire heir?

No matter the outcome, Evelyn would be the one to suffer.

Christopher's hands balled into fists. If Nathaniel hurt her, he swore he'd make him pay.

In the sterile hospital room, Evelyn stirred awake.

Her eyelids fluttered against the harsh fluorescent lights as she slowly took in her surroundings.

Instinctively, her hands flew to her abdomen.

Where were her babies?

Had Nathaniel ordered the doctors to terminate her pregnancy without her consent?

"What are you looking for?" Nathaniel's deep voice cut through the silence.

Evelyn's gaze snapped up to find him standing by the window. Her voice trembled as she demanded, "Where are my children? What did you do to them?"