Chapter 385

All eyes snapped toward the trembling maid hovering near the second-floor staircase. "I-I witnessed Miss Hartley shove Miss Cole!" she stammered, wringing her hands.

"Preposterous!" Evelyn's voice cut through the murmurs like a whip.

The maid flinched, her complexion turning ashen. "I swear it's true! I saw everything!"

Evelyn didn't bother arguing further.

Her attention locked onto Nathan.

She needed to see his reaction, to gauge his belief.

But when their eyes met, her stomach twisted.

The icy fury in his gaze...

Did he actually believe Serena's accusation?

"Absolute nonsense!" A commanding voice sliced through the tension.

The crowd separated as Olivia and Ethan stepped forward, their presence radiating authority.

"Evelyn would never harm anyone," Olivia declared, her piercing stare pinning the maid. "Who put you up to this slander?"

The maid shook her head violently. "I'm telling the truth! Why would I lie?"

Without speaking, Nathan scooped Serena into his arms and turned to leave.

"Nathan!" Evelyn's voice cracked with desperation.

He paused mid-step.

"Please... you have to believe me. I didn't push her!" Her plea hung heavy in the air.

Nathan glanced back, his expression inscrutable.

The silence stretched unbearably.

Then he turned away, carrying Serena toward the exit without another word.

Evelyn's knees nearly buckled.

That cold dismissal spoke volumes - he'd chosen to believe Serena. Again.

A bitter laugh escaped her lips.

The taste of betrayal coated her tongue.

"Nathan!" Leonard's stern voice echoed through the hall.

But Nathan's footsteps never faltered.

Within moments, Nathan, Serena, and Dylan disappeared through the grand doors.

"Did she really push her?"

"Obviously! The maid saw it happen!"