Chapter 204

"I understand, Grandmother. I'll get to the bottom of this."

Evelyn gave a slight nod, granting Nathan permission to proceed.

With her approval secured, Nathan turned his attention to Vanessa.

Even as she wept uncontrollably before him, not an ounce of sympathy stirred in his heart.

"Explain yourself."

Vanessa's sobs halted abruptly, but words failed her.

The truth was impossible to voice. Nathan had explicitly warned her against provoking Evelyn. Yet she'd let jealousy override reason, and now faced the consequences.

How could she meet his gaze? Or face their family after this?

Worse still - would there even be a place for her in the Sterling family if the full truth came out?

"Mother!" Vanessa turned desperately to Eleanor.

But Eleanor, acutely aware of Nathan's dangerous mood, remained silent.

Nathan's patience snapped. "The truth, Vanessa. Now."

Her entire body trembled. "Don't be angry, Nate. I'm the victim here! As my brother, shouldn't you help me?"

"Enough!" Nathan's voice cracked like a whip, veins standing out on his clenched fists.

His glacial stare pinned her. "Did you provoke Evelyn first? Have you forgotten my warning?"

This version of Nathan terrified Vanessa. She shriveled under his intensity.

"It wasn't me! The drugs were Victoria's idea. She set Evelyn up. I barely got involved, but look what happened to me!"

As the excuses spilled out, genuine self-pity overwhelmed her. Minor involvement, maximum suffering.

"Answer clearly - were you part of this scheme or not?"

Vanessa wanted to deny it, but Nathan's presence crushed resistance. Finally, she nodded.

A derisive snort escaped Nathan.

"You heard her. She instigated this. I'd wager she helped plan Evelyn's downfall too."

Each deliberate word struck Nathan's own heart like a hammer.

For the first time in three years of marriage, he'd chosen Evelyn's word over others'.

And she'd proven worthy of that trust.

"Consequences follow actions," Nathan stated coldly.

He turned to Eleanor. "Still planning to confront Evelyn?"

Eleanor's legs gave out, collapsing onto the sofa.

Nathan addressed Margaret next. "Grandmother, leave this matter to me."

Margaret sighed deeply. "What a disgrace to our family name."

With that, she rose and exited without another glance.

Mercy wasn't on Nathan's agenda today. "Winston, pack Vanessa's belongings. Simon, book the next flight to Astana and escort her to the airport."

"Immediately, Mr. Sterling," Simon responded.

Vanessa gaped in horror. "Nate, no! I won't go to Astana!"

Eleanor clutched at his arm. "Nathan, I beg you! She's my only daughter. Sending her away will destroy me!"

Their pleas fell on deaf ears. Nathan's decision was final.