Chapter 83

Leonard’s expression remained unreadable, but his fingers tapped once against the armrest. "And you’re certain it was intentional?"

Lila’s eyes welled with tears. "I—I don’t want to believe it, but… she looked at me before it happened. Like she wanted to hurt me."

Margaret gasped softly, her hand flying to her chest. "Evelyn would never—"

Victor cut in sharply. "She did. And if Nathan hadn’t intervened, who knows what else she might have done?"

A tense silence settled over the room.

Then Leonard spoke, his voice dangerously quiet.

"Bring Evelyn here. Now."

Victor Sterling's voice trembled with barely contained fury. "I wanted to teach Evelyn a lesson right then and there, but Nathan stepped in and shielded her, stopping me from acting. However, I refuse to let this matter slide. I came here today to inform you both, hoping you and Mrs. Grant will address Evelyn's behavior. If left unchecked, her actions will only escalate."

Leonard Grant zeroed in on one crucial detail—Nathan had defended Evelyn.

Margaret Hayes gasped, her face paling. "Evelyn would never do something like that!"

Victor's jaw tightened. "Nathan saw everything. If you doubt my word, Mr. and Mrs. Grant, you can ask him yourself."

Leonard studied Victor with an unreadable expression. "So, your sole purpose for visiting was to report this incident and demand discipline for Evelyn?"

After a weighted pause, he added, "No other reason?"

The question caught Victor off guard. He shook his head quickly. "No, nothing else. I simply felt you should know."

Leonard smirked, then leaned in to murmur something to Margaret.

Her brows furrowed in concern. "Are you certain about this?"

Without hesitation, Leonard nodded. "Do it."

Margaret excused herself and ascended the stairs. Moments later, she returned, extending a slip of paper to Victor. "Take this."

Victor glanced down—his breath hitched. It was a check for half a million dollars.

His head snapped up, bewildered. "Mr. and Mrs. Grant, what is this for?"

Leonard chuckled darkly. "Consider it compensation for Lila's medical expenses, plus extra for the inconvenience. I trust it's sufficient."

Victor stiffened. "There must be a misunderstanding. We didn’t come here for money!"

Lila, who had remained silent until now, spoke up. "Please, Mr. Grant, we would never ask for compensation."

Victor nodded firmly. "Exactly. We came to discuss Evelyn’s actions, not to take your money. We can’t accept this."

Leonard's smile turned razor-sharp. "And why would I reprimand my daughter-in-law for you? I know her character better than anyone."

His voice dropped to a dangerous calm. "She would never do what you’ve accused her of."

Victor and Lila exchanged uneasy glances. "But Mr. Grant," Victor insisted, "everything I’ve said is true! If you don’t believe me, ask Nathan!"

Leonard's smirk widened. "Even if it were true, so what? I’d bet my fortune it was Lila who provoked Evelyn first. If this amount isn’t enough, name your price."

Victor and Lila froze, their expressions crumbling. They hadn’t expected Leonard to defend Evelyn so ruthlessly—nor to turn the tables on them so effortlessly.