Chapter 474

Evelyn stood with her arms tightly folded, her gaze steady. "I must confess, my connection with Mr. Whitmore goes beyond mere friendship."

The room fell silent.

"Are you admitting to an inappropriate relationship with that tycoon?"

Theodore Winslow couldn't stay quiet any longer. "What inappropriate relationship? What kind of nonsense are you all being fed? Evelyn's relationship with Mr. Whitmore is genuine and honorable!"

The students scoffed. "Professor Winslow, Evelyn already admitted it. We don’t need your defense. What kind of relationship between a man and a woman could possibly be considered appropriate?"

"Marriage. Would that be legitimate enough for you?"

Nathaniel Whitmore’s deep, commanding voice cut through the tension as he stepped into the office doorway, his towering presence instantly dominating the room.

Dressed in an impeccably tailored suit, Nathaniel stood out starkly against the backdrop of curious onlookers.

A hush fell over the space as all eyes turned to him.

Evelyn’s breath hitched—she hadn’t expected him to show up.

Nathaniel approached her, his expression unreadable. "Are you being falsely accused?"

Evelyn pressed her lips together. "It’s just a misunderstanding."

Without hesitation, Nathaniel placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, pulling her close in a protective embrace.

Turning to the students, his voice was firm. "My wife values her privacy and prefers to keep a low profile on campus. Unfortunately, that has led to baseless rumors."

He paused, letting his words sink in. "Let me make this clear—Evelyn is my wife."

The revelation sent shockwaves through the room.

The students who had been interrogating Evelyn moments ago now looked pale, their earlier confidence shattered. Who could have guessed that quiet, unassuming Evelyn Carter was actually Mrs. Whitmore?

Danielle Spencer, standing nearby, felt her knees buckle.

Never in her wildest dreams had she imagined Evelyn was married to Nathaniel Whitmore. Had she just made an enemy of one of the most powerful men in the city?

And Victoria Sinclair had never mentioned this. Danielle couldn’t shake the feeling she’d been played.

Theodore stepped forward, his tone firm. "See? I told you it was a misunderstanding. Now, apologize to Evelyn."

The students exchanged nervous glances before stammering out their apologies. "Evelyn, we were misled by the forum posts. We didn’t know the truth. Please forgive us."

"Yeah, we had no idea you were Mrs. Whitmore. Your discretion is admirable. It’s that anonymous reporter’s fault—they deliberately deceived us."

Evelyn’s expression softened slightly.

"I accept your apology. But I’d like to keep my identity private for now. Please respect that."

"Of course! We won’t tell a soul."

Theodore gestured toward the door. "Good. You’re all dismissed."

Danielle tried to slip away unnoticed, but Nathaniel blocked her path.

She swallowed hard. "Evelyn, I—I suddenly don’t feel well. I need to use the restroom."

Evelyn frowned, confused.

Nathaniel leaned in, his voice low. "She’s the anonymous reporter."