Chapter 359

The maid rushed toward Evelyn, wrapping strong arms around her waist and hauling her upward with desperate strength. Evelyn choked as her face broke the water's surface, her fingers digging into the servant's shoulders like claws.

"Hold tight, Mrs. Black!" the maid gasped, kicking fiercely toward the pool's edge.

After an eternity of struggling, they finally reached safety. The servant heaved Evelyn onto the deck before pulling herself out. Evelyn collapsed onto the tiles, coughing violently as water streamed from her hair.

The maid snatched a towel and draped it over Evelyn's shaking form.

"Evelyn!" Leonard's voice cut through the chaos, laced with panic. He arrived with Margaret and a cluster of staff, their faces pale with concern.

Evelyn shook her head weakly at Leonard. Between ragged coughs, she managed, "Leonard... I'm... okay..." But her trembling body betrayed the truth.

"Okay? You call this okay?" Leonard's face darkened with worry. Suddenly, realization flashed across his features. "How did this happen? And where's Nathan? Where did that irresponsible boy disappear to?"

Evelyn drew a shuddering breath. "He... received an urgent call... had to leave." She met Leonard's gaze steadily despite her coughing. "I slipped and fell in."

Leonard's jaw tightened. "An urgent call? What could possibly be more important than your safety?"

"Dylan contacted Nathan..." Evelyn coughed. "Serena's been kidnapped."

She saw no reason to shield Nathan from the truth with lies.

Leonard's expression turned stormy, and even Margaret gripping his arm looked grave.

"That fool!" Leonard's fists clenched, his voice shaking with fury. "Margaret, call Nathan immediately. Tell him to return at once!"

Before Margaret could move, Evelyn spoke firmly, "No, Leonard." Her tone carried quiet authority. "Don't summon him back."

Leonard bristled. "Why ever not? He—"

"Please," Evelyn interrupted, her eyes pleading yet resolute. "Just this once, trust my judgment. Don't call him."

Leonard opened his mouth to argue but hesitated, something in Evelyn's gaze softening his anger. With a heavy sigh, he relented. "Very well. I'll respect your wishes." Evelyn offered a weak smile in response.

"Send for the doctor," Leonard ordered.

Evelyn shook her head. "Unnecessary. Truly, I'm fine."

"Are you certain?" Leonard frowned. "A medical examination wouldn't hurt."

"I know my limits," Evelyn said gently but firmly. "Just need rest. I'll retire upstairs."

Seeing her determination, Leonard could only nod. "Very well. Go rest."