Chapter 250

Nathan arched his brows with a teasing smile. "Only you get to decide if I'm weak or not."

Evelyn's lashes fluttered. Had he said those words before today, she would have called him shameless without hesitation. But now...

"I'll...try to be nicer to you, since you're putting in so much effort." The words left her lips with uncharacteristic shyness.

"How much nicer?" Nathan closed the distance between them, his voice dropping to a husky whisper as he drank in the sight of her radiant face. His Adam's apple bobbed visibly.

Without warning, Evelyn pressed her lips to his in a bold move that left him momentarily stunned.

Nathan's heart melted instantly, savoring the rare initiative from his usually reserved wife. He adored when she kissed him first.

"Your reward." Evelyn pulled away abruptly, turning to reorganize the first aid supplies with flushed ears.

Nathan wanted to let her escape - truly he did. But the sight of her flustered state proved irresistible. In one fluid motion, he pulled her against him, guiding her backward onto the couch.

"Nathan, stop!" Evelyn pushed against his chest. "We're in the office."

The thought of someone walking in made her skin prickle with embarrassment.

"No one's coming." His lips found the sensitive spot below her ear. "But your arm-"

"Focus."

That afternoon, Evelyn stood before a packed press conference in the corporate auditorium. Journalists from every major outlet filled the room, along with several obscure publications Nathan had undoubtedly summoned.

From the wings, Nathan observed silently while Oliver hovered nervously beside him. "Sir, these reporters are notoriously ruthless. Are you certain Ms. Vanderbilt can handle this?"

"I have complete faith in her."

Nathan's gaze never wavered from Evelyn. If she chose to trust him, he would return that trust tenfold.

The Vanderbilt contingent arrived en masse - Laura and Vivian escorting Madam Victoria, with York and Lydia trailing behind. Richard entered last, his steps measured.

Laura's face darkened when she saw Evelyn standing unharmed on the dais. How had the little bitch escaped unscathed? No matter. The "murderer" label would haunt Evelyn forever now.

Even this pathetic attempt at damage control meant nothing. Madam Victoria would never believe her.

"Good afternoon, members of the press. I'm Evelyn Vanderbilt - the so-called 'murderer' currently making headlines."

Evelyn's clear voice carried across the murmuring crowd. Unlike the cowering victim they expected, she met every camera lens with unshakable poise. "My family sits among you today. Feel free to ask anything in their presence."

"Ms. Vanderbilt," a sharp-featured reporter stood abruptly, "rumors suggest you fought with your family over Viana Jewelry shares. Is this true?"

Evelyn nodded calmly. "Absolutely true. We disagreed about Viana Jewelry's future."

The reporter pounced. "Did you kill for those shares?"

The room erupted in excited chatter.

Evelyn's lips curved into a mysterious smile. "Shall I tell you a story?"

She didn't wait for permission. "A man left his provincial hometown for the city, where he met a woman who promised to help him build a legacy. Together they established a modest company."

"But the man's family despised the woman - especially after she bore a daughter. Every holiday visit became an ordeal, with the man's mother and relatives hurling insults. Even the innocent granddaughter faced their contempt."