Chapter 223

Nathan froze for a split second. His ex-wife's icy voice cut through the air. "I'm unharmed, but Eleanor might be injured."

His dark eyes constricted instantly. Without warning, Nathan's fingers clamped around Evelyn's slender wrist like a vise.

"Ah! Nathan! You're hurting me!" Evelyn gasped, pain shooting up her arm. Cold sweat beaded on her forehead as tears welled in her eyes.

His lips pressed into a thin line before abruptly releasing her.

The sudden release sent Evelyn stumbling backward. She crashed onto the marble floor with an undignified thud, her designer dress rumpled beneath her.

"Nathan! She attacked me first!" Evelyn shrieked, pointing at the faint shoe print on her cheek. "Look at this! Evidence!"

Her manicured hands pounded the cold floor in frustration. "This woman barged into Cliffside Manor and assaulted your sister! How dare you take her side without hearing the full story!"

Nathan didn't even glance at Evelyn. His intense gaze remained fixed on Cassandra as he asked in that deep, commanding voice, "Are you certain you're alright?"

Cassandra merely rolled her eyes in response.

She moved toward Eleanor, kneeling gracefully before the trembling girl. Gentle fingers brushed through the child's soft curls.

"Aunt Cassie!" Eleanor launched herself into Cassandra's embrace, silent tears finally breaking free.

The child had endured Evelyn's abuse without crying, but the sight of her protector shattered her composure.

"Hush now, little star." Cassandra cradled Eleanor close, her voice tender yet firm. "No one will harm you while I'm here. From this moment forward, you're under my protection."

Her emerald eyes blazed with fury as they locked onto Evelyn. The woman resembled nothing so much as a fairytale villainess.

Something unfamiliar stirred in Nathan's chest as he watched the tender scene. The way Cassandra held his sister... it awakened a strange longing in him.

"Mark my words, Evelyn." Cassandra's voice turned deadly quiet. "Eleanor is mine to protect now. Don't think I'm unaware of what happens at Cliffside Manor in my absence."

Her gaze turned razor-sharp. "Lay one finger on this child again, and I'll make you regret the day you were born."

Evelyn's breath hitched, genuine fear flashing across her face. Mascara-streaked tears tracked down her cheeks as she turned pleading eyes toward Nathan.

"Nathan, please—"

"Did you hear Ms. Blackwood?" Nathan's voice could have frozen hell itself. His attention never wavered from Cassandra.

Evelyn collapsed against the floor in defeat. The realization struck her like a physical blow - Nathan had never truly considered her family.

"Apologize to Eleanor." Nathan's command brooked no argument.

Evelyn's lips pressed into a mutinous line.

"Forget it." Cassandra waved a dismissive hand. "A forced apology is worthless." Her laugh held no warmth. "We'll consider it progress if she refrains from biting people like a rabid dog."

With a final glare, Evelyn stormed off, slamming her bedroom door with enough force to rattle the chandeliers.

"Cassandra Blackwood!" she seethed, nails digging into her palms. "This isn't over!"

Only then did the question strike her - why was Cassandra here? Had Nathan brought her? Was he considering... no. That couldn't be possible. She'd burn Cliffside Manor to the ground before letting that happen.