Chapter 384

When Nathan had mentioned there was a plan, Evelyn assumed he intended to expose Rosalind in front of Theodore.

Instead, he'd staged an elaborate performance with one of his men?

Oliver flashed a mischievous grin. "Ms. Vanderbilt, this wasn't staged. We were genuinely ambushed on our way back."

Rain slicked the roads dangerously.

"If not for my expert driving, we'd be hospitalized right now. The attackers got off lightly - we handed them to the police."

He leaned closer. "After that, Mr. Goldmann suggested we... improvise a little theater."

Evelyn's gaze snapped to Nathan. "Are you certain they were Rosalind's people?"

Why would someone supposedly in love with Nathan orchestrate this?

Nathan's lips curved knowingly. "The suspects confessed everything at the station. Someone paid them to frame the de Armas family."

The realization struck Evelyn like lightning.

Rosalind had been so adamant about de Arma involvement earlier.

A perfect misdirection to avoid Theodore's suspicion.

Oliver nodded. "Precisely. We're flushing out Rosalind's network. After tonight, Elder Goldmann's trust in her will fracture."

His eyes gleamed. "Meanwhile, she'll suspect her own people betrayed her."

Theodore's blind faith had emboldened Rosalind.

Military training made her dangerously resourceful.

But desperation had clouded her judgment tonight.

Had Nathan actually been hurt, Theodore would've blamed the de Armas without question.

Now Rosalind would question her own allies' loyalty.

The trap was set - they merely needed to wait for her next move.

After briefing Oliver, Nathan escorted Evelyn back to Blue Bay Villa.

Midnight shadows stretched across their doorstep.

Evelyn frowned at Nathan's soaked attire. "You're drenched. Shower immediately before you catch pneumonia."

As she turned with his jacket, Nathan reeled her back against his chest.

His chin nestled in her hair. "Were you frightened when you heard I was hospitalized?"

"Terrified." Evelyn's voice flattened. "You ignored my calls. Then Oliver said you were in the ER."

She pivoted in his arms. "Turns out I worried for nothing."

Nathan caught her irritation and smiled apologetically. "Left my phone in the car."

His thumb traced her jawline. "I swear this won't happen again."

Evelyn remained silent.

"Are you angry?" Nathan swept her onto their bed, caging her beneath him.

"Zoe," he murmured, lips grazing her temple. "Forgive me?"

When she stayed quiet, Nathan guided her hand to his cheek.

"Hit me if it helps."

Her palm stung from the forceful contact. Evelyn recoiled. "Are you insane?"

Nathan nuzzled her neck. "Does this mean I'm forgiven?"

Evelyn fought a smile. "I'll really lose my temper if you don't shower soon."

Chuckling, Nathan rose. "As my lady commands."

Minutes later, he emerged with a towel slung low on his hips.

Water droplets glistened on his toned abdomen as he towel-dried his dark hair.

Evelyn's breath hitched at the sight.

Noticing her stare, Nathan smirked and pulled her against his damp body.

"Like what you see?" His hands settled possessively on her waist.