Chapter 249

The media frenzy outside Goldmann Tower was overwhelming. Evelyn stepped out of the car with Nathan, shielded by a wall of bodyguards.

Even through the security cordon, camera flashes exploded like fireworks. "Ms. Vanderbilt!" a reporter shouted, shoving a microphone forward. "The online allegations claim you're a murderer. Care to comment?"

Another journalist elbowed forward. "Is it true you've been extorting your own family members?"

Nathan's grip tightened on Evelyn's shoulder as he turned to issue orders to his security team. Before he could speak, a venomous voice cut through the chaos: "Death to killers!"

A masked figure lunged from the crowd, blade glinting.

Nathan moved like lightning, taking the stab wound meant for Evelyn across his forearm.

"Nathan!" Evelyn's hands flew to his bleeding arm as the crowd gasped.

Security swarmed the attacker, ripping off his disguise. "You'll pay for this," the lead bodyguard growled.

Nathan barely glanced at his injury. "Just a scratch." His glacial stare swept across the press corps. "You have sixty seconds to leave before I have you removed."

The reporters scattered like frightened birds.

Evelyn's hands trembled as she retrieved her emergency first-aid kit. "You're bleeding everywhere," she murmured, applying pressure to the wound.

Nathan watched her frantic movements with quiet amusement. His gaze then snapped to the restrained assailant. "Who sent you?"

The man refused to meet his eyes. "N-no one—"

"Take him upstairs," Nathan commanded. "I want answers."

Evelyn's jaw set. "I'm coming too."

The would-be assassin now knelt bruised and battered in Nathan's office, flanked by stone-faced guards.

Evelyn circled him like a panther. "Speak."

"I told you, it was just for money!" the man whimpered.

"How much?" Evelyn demanded.

"Five grand. To stab you and make sure the cameras caught it."

The attacker swallowed hard. "The woman who hired me... she was older. Dressed fancy."

Recognition flashed in Evelyn's eyes. She turned to Nathan. "Have the police take him. I know exactly who's behind this."

Oliver arrived with a medical kit, which Evelyn commandeered. Nathan obediently shrugged off his bloodied jacket.

As she cleaned the wound, Nathan studied her concentrated expression. "You've figured it out?"

Evelyn dabbed antiseptic with surprising gentleness. "There's only one 'older woman' who'd go this far."

She secured the fresh bandage, then frowned up at him. "At this rate, people will start thinking the great Nathan Goldmann is made of glass."