Chapter 297

Raymond Kingsley, the youngest son of the prestigious Kingsley family, had dreamed of becoming a crime-fighting officer since he was a boy. Now, he had achieved his goal, rising to the rank of captain in Crestview's elite Criminal Investigation Division.

"Come on! Hit him harder! Don't stop until he breaks!" Raymond's aggressive words only fueled Dominic's frustration.

"Can't you detectives get creative with your interrogation techniques?"

Dominic clenched his fist against the car window. "We prosecutors don't have that kind of freedom. Don't waste this opportunity!"

Sebastian, standing nearby, shook his head with a wry smile.

Harrison Kingsley's daughters were graceful and refined, like royalty. But his sons? They were ruthless, relying on brute force more than their father ever had—and he had once ruled the streets.

When the three brothers worked together, their targets had only two choices: surrender or face annihilation.

Nathan Blackwood raced to the hospital, his heart pounding. Julian Montgomery, unwilling to let him go alone, followed close behind. The sleek sports car screeched to a halt at the entrance, and Nathan bolted inside without hesitation.

Reginald Blackwood was the only person Nathan truly cared about in the Blackwood family. His grandfather had always treated him with unconditional love, something no one else had ever offered.

"Grandpa... Grandpa..."

Nathan's voice was raw with emotion as he sprinted down the corridor.

When he turned the corner, he saw Evelyn sitting on a bench, cradling a sleeping Eleanor in her arms. The scene was serene, like a masterpiece capturing the quiet beauty of life.

Evelyn's long fingers gently brushed Eleanor's hair. Her expression was peaceful, almost angelic, yet there was an undeniable strength in her delicate frame. She was the kind of woman who appeared when someone needed saving—like a guardian descending from the heavens.

A sharp pang of guilt twisted in Nathan's chest. Thank God she was here.

Hearing his footsteps, Evelyn lifted her gaze. Their eyes met, and for a fleeting second, something warm flickered in her bright irises—something that made Nathan's heart stutter.

But just as quickly, it vanished. Her expression turned icy, her stare piercing through him like a blade.

"I assume Ms. Sterling's birthday celebration is over? How noble of Mr. Blackwood to abandon his mess and rush here." She didn't raise her voice, but her words cut deeper than any insult.

Nathan stepped closer, regret heavy in his eyes.

Evelyn lowered her lashes, wishing she could shut out the world. "Grandpa is resting now. Marcus is with him. You should wait outside."

"Evelyn... I'm sorry," Nathan choked out, his voice rough.

"Sorry?" Her lips curled into a mocking smile. "Nathan, the person you owe an apology to is the man lying in that hospital bed—the one who barely escaped death. Why are you apologizing to me? I mean nothing to you. But your grandfather? He loved you. The least you can do is be here for him. I happened to be nearby this time, but what about next time? Death doesn't give second chances."

Her voice wavered, her eyes reddening. "I hate this. I hate that he's not my grandfather. I hate that I can't stay by his side forever. I wish I could sew him into my pocket and keep him safe every second of the day."

Nathan's throat tightened. His apologies meant nothing to her—they were worthless.

"Nathan!" Julian's voice cut through the tension as he strode in. He glanced at Evelyn, confusion flickering across his face, before turning to Nathan with a grim expression. "We need to talk. Now."