Chapter 384

Nathan's hand hovered in the air, his movement abruptly stopping as if an invisible barrier had appeared between them.

A shadow of doubt flickered across his features before he withdrew completely, his fingers curling into a tight fist at his side.

Then Alexander Prescott arrived.

He moved with swift purpose, kneeling beside Evelyn Hartley with urgent concern.

Evelyn's porcelain skin glistened with perspiration, a crimson trail winding down her temple from the gash above her eyebrow.

The sight was nothing short of horrifying.

Her limbs bore the evidence of violent impact - angry purple bruises blooming across her delicate skin.

Dylan Reeves turned ashen, his breath coming in shallow gasps.

"Evelyn! What the hell happened?" His voice cracked with barely contained panic.

Nathan's jaw tightened visibly.

"It hurts... I can't..." Evelyn's words dissolved into broken sobs, tears carving paths through the blood on her cheeks.

With visible effort, she lifted her gaze toward Serena Cole descending the staircase.

Between shuddering breaths, Evelyn whispered, "Ms. Hartley... why would you push me?"

The accusation landed like a detonation.

An electric silence gripped the room, every occupant frozen in shock.

All eyes swiveled toward Serena, expressions cycling through disbelief to dawning horror.

"Serena would never do something like that! Those stairs could have killed someone!"

"Look at Evelyn's injuries - this was no accident!"

"What possible reason could Serena have to be so cruel?"

Nathan's head snapped up, his stormy eyes locking onto Serena.

For a fleeting moment, her delicate features triggered a memory - Serena and Alexander standing close in the garden that afternoon.

His expression darkened, something dangerous flashing in his gaze.

"That's a lie!" Serena's voice cut through the murmurs, steady and clear.

She enunciated each word with precision. "She fell on her own."

The moment Evelyn had tumbled down those steps, Serena had recognized the setup.

She knew with absolute certainty her touch hadn't been forceful enough to cause that fall.

This had been carefully orchestrated.

Those provoking words earlier - all calculated to make her react.

Evelyn's eyes widened dramatically, her trembling lips parting in feigned shock.

"How... how could you say that, Ms. Hartley?"

"I saw everything!" A timid voice piped up from the crowd.