Chapter 488

In the end, even Lawrence had to concede defeat against Evelyn's razor-sharp retorts. Cassandra didn't dare provoke further and cowered behind Penelope like a frightened turtle retreating into its shell.

"Grandfather Reginald!"

Evelyn moved gracefully to Reginald's side, taking his weathered hand in hers. Concern shadowed her delicate features.

Their bond appeared far stronger than Cassandra's with the old patriarch. "Did you summon me so late because you're unwell?"

"Don't fret, my dear. I'm perfectly fine."

Reginald's aged eyes softened as they met her clear gaze, his fingers giving hers an affectionate pat. "See? Still in excellent health."

Evelyn exhaled in visible relief. "Thank goodness."

"Evelyn, truthfully, I called you here tonight for no urgent matter." Reginald's voice turned earnest. "I simply missed you and wished to see you. But I must ask—what truly transpired between you and Cassandra? How did matters escalate to this degree?"

His wrinkled face creased with worry. "You're both my granddaughters. I only wish for harmony between you. These constant conflicts weigh heavily on my heart."

Yet Evelyn understood—this was Grandfather Reginald's gentle way of advocating for his blood granddaughter, Cassandra.

An unexpected sting pierced her nose, her throat tightening.

No matter how devotedly she cared for Reginald, blood ties ran deeper. Even when the so-called "obedient granddaughter" he referenced was a venomous schemer who'd betrayed her repeatedly.

Those two days Cassandra spent detained had been pure torment!

Penelope seized the moment to wail dramatically, clutching a weeping Cassandra. "They subjected your precious granddaughter to twenty-four hour interrogations! Threats! Verbal abuse! Sleep deprivation! Look how they've brutalized her!"

Indeed, Cassandra appeared markedly haggard, her tear-streaked face invoking pity.

Reginald had doted on his eldest granddaughter since childhood. Though Cassandra lacked Evelyn's brilliance and charm, rarely visiting after adulthood, she remained his flesh and blood. At his age, family peace was all he desired.

When Nathan noticed Evelyn's eyes reddening, her usual vibrancy dimmed, an unfamiliar ache gripped his chest.

She was hurting.

Memories surfaced—how during their three-year marriage, she'd always been an outsider in Cliffside Manor. Back then, he'd been deliberately inconsiderate, hoping she'd surrender and request divorce.

History seemed to repeat itself tonight.

But this time, Nathan wouldn't repeat past mistakes.

With icy determination darkening his gaze, he strode to his grandfather's side. The room collectively held its breath as he performed his next shocking act.

In one fluid motion, Nathan's muscular arm encircled Evelyn's shoulders, pulling her firmly against him with possessive certainty—as if she'd never ceased being his wife.

Evelyn gaped up at him, frozen.

"Nathan, what—"

"Grandfather."

Nathan silenced her protest, his large hand anchoring her in place. "Rather than interrogating Ms. Carter, perhaps you should demand what your precious Cassandra has done this time."