Chapter 381

The scent of rain clung to Nathan's clothes, mingling with his signature cologne and the crisp aroma of tobacco. The combination flooded Evelyn's senses as she stood frozen in the hospital corridor.

"I didn't mean to worry you." Her voice trembled slightly as she gently pushed him back. "Why are you all here? Is someone injured?"

Oliver rubbed his nose bridge with a wry smile. "Someone did get hurt, just not any of us."

Evelyn's brow furrowed in confusion. She turned her questioning gaze toward Nathan, who merely arched an eyebrow in response.

"Nathan!"

The sharp voice made Evelyn spin around. Theodore Goldmann and Rosalind Summers were striding down the hallway, their footsteps echoing against the sterile tiles.

Rosalind's eyes flickered with surprise when she saw the unharmed group, but she quickly masked it. "Are you alright, Nathan? The elder Mr. Goldmann rushed here when he heard about the accident."

Nathan ignored her, addressing Theodore directly. "I'm fine."

The tension visibly drained from Theodore's shoulders, though his voice remained gruff. "Explain what happened."

Oliver stepped forward. "We were ambushed by two vehicles on our way back. They tried to run us off the road, but ended up wrecking their own cars instead. We brought the drivers here for treatment."

Rosalind's fingers turned bone-white where they clutched her purse.

Theodore looked stunned. "Who would dare attack you? Have you identified them?"

"They're still unconscious," Oliver sighed. "We planned to question them when they wake up."

Evelyn lowered her gaze, her mind racing. Who would be bold enough to target Nathan Goldmann?

A sudden warmth enveloped her hand. Nathan was tracing letters on her palm with his fingertip, a silent message that steadied her nerves.

The doctor approached. "Mr. Goldmann, your patients are awake."

Nathan nodded. Without a word, he turned toward the hospital room, the others following in his wake. Oliver glanced back at Rosalind. "Aren't you coming?"

Rosalind's entire frame trembled. She forced a weak smile, her steps leaden as she trailed behind.

This wasn't supposed to happen. Her men were supposed to succeed, not end up hospitalized themselves. What incompetent fools had Shane sent? At least she'd been smart enough not to involve herself directly.

The bandaged figure in the bed resembled a mummy, only his eyes and mouth visible through the wrappings. Oliver leaned in. "Who sent you?"

The patient's gaze darted to Rosalind.

Her already pale face drained of all color. Theodore followed the man's line of sight, and Rosalind blurted, "I would never hurt Nathan! This has nothing to do with me!"

She whirled on the injured man. "I don't even know you! Why are you trying to frame me?"

Damn Shane! What kind of amateur operation was this? They were supposed to blame the de Arma family, not look at her like some guilty conspirator. She'd prepared contingencies if they implicated Shane, but this? This was a disaster.

Had Shane betrayed her? The thought sent ice through her veins.