Chapter 127

Evelyn's mind screamed. What in the world?! Is Julian alright?!

She forced a dry laugh. "Mr. Montgomery, you're full of jokes today."

"I'm not joking, Evelyn. I'm completely serious!"

Julian's voice trembled with emotion as he reached for her shoulders, but Evelyn swiftly stepped back, avoiding his touch.

"Mr. Montgomery," she said coolly, "if memory serves, I've already made my position clear this afternoon. Must I say something particularly cruel for you to finally understand?"

"I know. You rejected me."

Julian's deep gaze held bitter amusement. "I also know you're with Sebastian now. But I want you to know I'll always be here, right behind you. If you ever look back, I wouldn't mind being your... consolation prize."

Consolation prize?! Evelyn's eyes flashed. Does he think I'm like Harrison?!

Julian's eyes were mesmerizing pools of sorrow and sincerity - the kind that could ensnare any woman's heart. No wonder he was so popular among socialites.

Yet Evelyn remained utterly immune to his charms.

If anything, she preferred Nathan's piercing gaze - those beautiful eyes that held more danger than affection.

"By the way, Evelyn," Julian asked nervously, "who was that man who attacked Nathan? Are you close to him?"

"Young Madam!"

Just as Evelyn struggled for an answer, Oliver approached them in his hospital gown.

"Why are you out of bed?"

Evelyn immediately brushed past Julian to support Oliver. "You may not be seriously injured, but you still have a concussion from hitting your head. You should be resting."

"Young Madam, was it you who saved Mr. Blackwood?" Oliver asked excitedly.

"I... I didn't do anything." Evelyn's voice turned flat, guilt weighing heavily on her.

"I knew you still had feelings for Mr. Blackwood!"

Ignoring Oliver's comment, Evelyn changed the subject. "Mr. Sinclair, has Mr. Blackwood finished his treatment?"

Oliver nodded eagerly. "Young Madam, won't you stay? At least... just see him for a moment."

Taking a deep breath, Evelyn walked toward Nathan's ward with leaden steps.

After all, her brother had assaulted Nathan. This mess was her responsibility - she couldn't just walk away.

In the ward, Nathan leaned against the bedframe gazing out the window. Despite his bruised face, his striking features remained undeniable. That usually proud, stern expression now carried an unexpected vulnerability.

It was the same face Evelyn had loved for thirteen years.

Even now, the sight stirred something in her heart - though the feeling had irrevocably changed.

"Mr. Blackwood."

"I'll find out who did this tonight and make them pay dearly. You'd better disappear before I lose my temper." Nathan's voice was ice, his expression stormy.

Evelyn had always been stubborn, always defiant against orders.

She marched to the bedside, meeting his dark gaze without flinching. "Mr. Blackwood, I came to formally apologize for tonight's incident. If you're angry, direct it at me. Since he only hurt you because of me, I'll take full responsibility. If you prefer settling this privately, I'm willing. I doubt you'd want this becoming public knowledge - taking your ex-wife to court right before marrying Ms. Sterling? You're a respected figure. Such a scandal would only tarnish your reputation. And if this reaches Grandfather... well, neither of us could explain that away, could we?"

Each word struck Nathan like a physical blow.

She's defending that attacker! Taking the blame for him! How could she protect him like this? She'd shield a criminal, but what am I to her? What a fucking joke!

"Evelyn," Nathan's voice cracked, eyes burning red with pain, "who is he to you? You were willing to die for him."

"It wasn't a real gun. I'm not dead. I'm fine." Her tone remained eerily calm.

"Is there a difference? The moment you stepped in front of him, it made no difference!"

Nathan tried to rise, but pain rendered him weak. He slammed his fists against the mattress in frustration. "Three years of marriage! Three years of you claiming to love me! Yet look at your actions! Nothing you've done proves you ever cared! Did you think me a fool?!"