Chapter 126
The metallic projectile whizzed past Maxwell's ear with a deadly whisper.
A sharp gasp escaped Evelyn's lips as pain radiated through her body.
In a blur of motion, Evelyn threw herself at Maxwell, shielding him with her own frame. The steel pellet embedded itself in her delicate shoulder with sickening precision.
Though not a conventional firearm, the compressed air gun packed enough force to shatter bone.
Evelyn's porcelain skin glistened with cold sweat, her entire body convulsing in agony.
Yet her arms remained locked around her brother in an unbreakable embrace.
Nathan's world tilted on its axis. The sight of Evelyn protecting another man hit him like a physical blow to the chest.
Every nerve ending screamed in protest, but nothing compared to the searing betrayal of watching his wife take a bullet for her brother - the same man who'd just tried to kill him.
His mind reeled. How could she choose Maxwell over me? Her hatred shouldn't extend to becoming an accomplice to murder.
"Evelyn!" Maxwell's voice cracked with horror as he grasped her shuddering form. Crimson stains bloomed across his palms.
Rage ignited in his chest, burning hotter than the pain in his own body.
"Julian Montgomery! I'll make you pay for this!"
Julian stood frozen, the weapon slipping from his numb fingers. His breath came in ragged gasps.
He hadn't seen Evelyn move. One moment she wasn't there, the next she'd materialized between them. If only he'd reacted faster...
"Maxwell Kingsley!" Evelyn's voice was steel wrapped in velvet as she pushed against her brother's chest. "If you ever want me to acknowledge you as family again, leave. Now."
The unspoken threat hung between them.
With one last agonized look, Maxwell vanished into the night. He'd contact Sebastian to arrange medical care for his reckless sister.
Evelyn exhaled shakily before turning her attention to Nathan's injuries. "Mr. Montgomery, call an ambulance immediately. They both need medical attention."
"But your shoulder-"
"I'll live," she snapped, already kneeling beside Nathan despite the fire in her joint.
Nathan recoiled as if burned. "Stop this charade! Get away from me!" His chest heaved with labored breaths.
He despised her for aiding Maxwell's escape, but more than that, he feared seeing her beautiful face contorted in pain.
Evelyn ignored him, her delicate fingers probing his legs with professional precision. Bruises mottled his chiseled features, his usually immaculate suit torn and soiled.
Her heart clenched. However much she resented him, seeing Nathan hurt still tore at her soul.
That reckless idiot Maxwell! How could he be so brutal?
"I said leave!" Nathan's voice cracked like a whip.
"Not until I'm sure you're not seriously injured!" she fired back, emerald eyes blazing. "Your old injuries-"
Nathan's gaze sharpened. "How do you know about those?" Had Julian betrayed his confidence?
Sirens wailed in the distance, cutting through the tension. Paramedics whisked both men away while Julian remained glued to Evelyn's side.
At the hospital, Julian paced like a caged animal outside the treatment room. When Evelyn emerged, pale but composed, he nearly collapsed with relief.
"Just a few stitches," she assured him with a tired smile.
"Just stitches?" Julian's voice hitched. "Evelyn, this could have permanent consequences! Tell me the truth - will you regain full mobility?"
A weak laugh escaped her lips. "Honestly Julian, you sound almost disappointed. What will you do if I can't lift my arm again?"
"I'll marry you."
Evelyn blinked. "Excuse me?"
Julian's throat worked, his eyes suspiciously bright. "I'll take responsibility. If that wound leaves you impaired, I'll spend the rest of my life making sure you want for nothing."