Chapter 388

Evelyn could feel the dangerous heat radiating from Nathan's body. If this continued, the smoldering desire in his eyes would erupt into an uncontrollable blaze.

Though the corporate offices stood empty at this hour, she couldn't risk Gregory making an unexpected appearance. She hastily changed the subject. "Have you identified who that man is protecting?"

Nathan lifted his gaze, his stormy eyes darkening. "Someone from the training facility."

"From the training camp? Could it be—"

"You know them." Nathan dipped his head to press a kiss against her pale throat.

Evelyn's fingers tightened on his shoulders as she fought to maintain her composure. "Is it someone of Chloe and the others' rank? Mmmph—"

"Hmm?" Nathan paused deliberately, studying her flushed cheeks that rivaled the evening sky.

She bit her lip and averted her gaze. "Can you answer me properly?!"

His lips curved. "Then stop making those noises. It's dangerous."

Evelyn nearly combusted from frustration.

Nathan finally relented. "It's Instructor Lancaster."

"Him?" Her eyes darkened. "Was he involved in Winifred's death?"

'I know Instructor Lancaster, but this seems impossible. He supervised the entire shooting assessment that day.'

'When I saved Lillian from the pit viper, he and Harrison were the first to reach us. If he knew about the snake beforehand...'

'But if Lillian hadn't startled it, others might have triggered the attack instead. Wouldn't he worry about collateral damage?'

'Yet he seemed genuinely surprised by the viper's presence.'

"Why would Instructor Lancaster do this?" Evelyn frowned. "If that man was willing to protect him so fiercely, he wouldn't let him take such risks."

Nathan's gaze intensified. "Some people act under duress. There are always reasons."

The pieces clicked into place.

'Just as I suspected. The mastermind has leverage—someone precious to that man. Since his brother is Instructor Lancaster, the same applies.'

'Rosalind must be exploiting their relationship. I never imagined her scheme ran this deep.'

'She's orchestrated everything since I entered the training camp, controlling every variable.'

'Wynona's death was merely convenient—a scapegoat for the viper incident. Their strained relationship made her the perfect candidate. Whether I died or not, Winifred had to take the fall.'

'Vivian, Dad, the children, even Winifred's parents—every move executed flawlessly. Such venom hidden beneath beauty, yet Theodore remains oblivious.'

Softly, she asked, "Did Instructor Lancaster kill Winifred?"

"No." Nathan's voice was quiet. "He saw her that day but lied because he brought her there."

Understanding dawned—Instructor Lancaster wasn't the killer but an accomplice. "Is this evidence enough to expose her?"

Nathan smirked, tilting her chin up to claim her lips. "Don't worry. Oliver and I have everything arranged."

At the Summer Pavilion...

The imprisoned man hadn't eaten in days. Starvation blurred his vision as he licked cracked lips, teetering on death's edge.