Chapter 276

Nathan's voice carried an undeniable weight of resignation.

Some wounds ran too deep for mere words to heal.

Evelyn arched a delicate brow, her lips curving into a knowing smile. "You've done nothing requiring apology, Mr. Sterling."

Nathan shook his head slowly. "This apology comes from the man I used to be."

"Enough, Mr. Sterling."

Evelyn's gaze shifted to Gwendolyn standing nearby. "I intend to see this matter through to its rightful conclusion."

"Understood. You have my full support." Nathan's stance couldn't be clearer.

Gwendolyn's composure shattered. "Nathan! How can you side with this insolent woman? Your own cousin lies injured in that bed!"

Nathan remained unmoved. "We're all accountable for our choices, cousin."

"What exactly has Rosalind done to deserve this? She's the one hospitalized!" Gwendolyn's voice trembled with outrage. "I won't stand by while you persecute an injured girl!"

Evelyn's expression remained glacial. "We won't lay a finger on her. But the authorities might."

On cue, two uniformed officers entered the room.

"We're investigating an incident at the racetrack. Could someone identify Rosalind Blackwell?"

Gwendolyn paled visibly. "What is the meaning of this?"

The lead officer displayed his badge. "Police business, ma'am. We need to question Ms. Blackwell regarding potential criminal charges."

Gwendolyn clutched her forehead dramatically. "I... I feel faint. This is too much..."

Evelyn barely suppressed an eye roll at the transparent theatrics.

With law enforcement present and irrefutable evidence, Rosalind's fate was sealed regardless of her aunt's antics.

Evelyn stretched languidly before approaching Harrison, who'd been waiting patiently. "Shall we depart, Harrison?"

He immediately shrugged off his tailored jacket, draping it over her shoulders. "The evening chill has set in. Wouldn't want you catching cold."

As they turned to leave, Nathan suddenly closed the distance, grasping Evelyn's wrist. "Allow me to drive you home."

Evelyn wrenched free with icy precision. "That won't be necessary, Mr. Sterling. Your family requires your attention here."

Nathan dismissed her refusal with a casual wave. "They can wait."

Undeterred, he matched her stride for stride.

Evelyn quickened her pace, but Nathan clung like persistent shadow.

At the hospital entrance, she finally whirled on him. "Nathan, this ends now."

"Not even close."

Harrison immediately positioned himself as a living barrier between them. The two towering figures crackled with barely restrained tension.

"You're overstepping, Sterling," Harrison warned through gritted teeth.

Nathan didn't flinch.

Retreat now meant permanent defeat in their silent battle for Evelyn's attention.

He'd won her once effortlessly - he'd be damned if he couldn't do it again.

"Tell me, Whitmore," Nathan's smirk held dangerous edge, "are you familiar with the concept of dibs?"