Chapter 389

The car ride was tense.

William pulled out a thick envelope from the glove compartment. "The police provided these. They're conducting an official investigation, but we'll be running our own parallel inquiry."

Evelyn's fingers trembled as she accepted the photos. The image of Nathan pushing her out of harm's way flashed before her eyes again.

How had he found the courage to charge toward a vehicle speeding at 70 mph?

Her knuckles turned white against the glossy prints.

Alexander exhaled heavily. "We owe Nathan Blackwood twice now. Evie, I don't think he'll ever let you go."

If Nathan could walk away from Evelyn, why would he repeatedly risk his life for her?

One incident could be dismissed as coincidence. But this pattern was impossible to ignore.

William massaged his temples. "He can't expect your devotion just because of this. Though I must admit, I'm starting to respect the boy. Your happiness comes first."

Evelyn bit her lip, her pulse stuttering as she studied the next photograph.

The driver's lifeless body slumped over the steering wheel - a completely ordinary face that would blend into any crowd.

Blood crusted his forehead where it had smashed against the wheel.

"Died on impact," Alexander explained, noticing Evelyn's frown. "Police initially ruled it drunk driving, but an overseas account transferred over a million dollars to him recently. They can't close the case yet."

"A million dollars?" Evelyn whispered. "For my life?"

The absurdity struck her - a million dollars to have Nathan die in her place.

Alexander's mouth tightened. "For a washed-up alcoholic, this was probably the only way he'd ever see that kind of money."

"Stay indoors for now," William interjected. "If you must go out, take security. Next time, you might not be so lucky."

His weary eyes darkened with concern.

Alexander nodded in agreement.

Evelyn straightened. "I can't live in hiding. Arrange for bodyguards."

She knew the drill.

All she wanted was the name of whoever wanted her dead.

They would pay tenfold.

Exhaustion overwhelmed her the moment she reached her bedroom. She collapsed onto the silk sheets, unconscious before her head hit the pillow.

When she awoke, golden light filtered through the trees outside her window.

The sunset painted the sky in fiery hues - breathtakingly beautiful.

She'd slept through an entire day.

A new phone waited on her nightstand. Alexander had transferred all her data and reinstalled every app.

Dozens of notifications lit up the screen.

Concerned messages. Questions about her wellbeing. Inquiries about Nathan's condition.

In her close friends' group chat:

[Isabella Montgomery: Okay, I've officially changed my mind about Nathan. Two life-risking rescues? You might want to reconsider @EvelynSinclair]

[Natalie Beaumont: Seconded.]

[Isabella Montgomery: No pressure though @EvelynSinclair! Even if romance isn't in the cards, we'll stop hating him.]

[Natalie Beaumont: What she said.]

[Isabella Montgomery: Can't you form your own opinions?! @NatalieBeaumont]

[Natalie Beaumont: Too lazy to type what you already articulated perfectly! @IsabellaMontgomery]

[Sebastian Hart: Nathan just earned my eternal respect. I officially surrender T_T]

[Isabella Montgomery: Sebastian, didn't you give up ages ago?]

[Natalie Beaumont: ^This.]

[Sebastian Hart: Fine! Leaving this toxic group now =P]