Chapter 303

Nathaniel studied Evelyn with surprise. After everything that had happened between them, she had never once asked for his help. Yet here she was, standing before him.

"What do you need?" he asked.

Evelyn pressed her lips together, considering her words carefully.

In Marseille, Nathaniel held immense influence. Both allies and adversaries respected his power. Right now, he was her only option.

She exhaled softly. "Can you speak to the creditors pursuing the Mitchell Group? Ask them to extend the deadline—especially now that my father is hospitalized. The stress could worsen his condition. Dr. Harrison warned another shock might be catastrophic."

Nathaniel's gaze lingered on her for a long moment. "You still care about what happens to them?"

Evelyn shook her head.

"No. I just don’t believe in kicking someone when they’re down. The debts will be repaid—but forcing immediate payment will only make things worse."

In truth, she wondered if agreeing to William’s earlier request—asking Nathaniel to salvage the project—might have prevented this.

But temporary fixes wouldn’t solve the Mitchells’ deeper problems. If they didn’t face reality now, the consequences would be far worse later.

Nathaniel nodded.

"I’ll have Samuel handle it immediately. Don’t worry."

"Thank you," she said.

His lips curved slightly. He hated hearing those words from her.

Samuel swiftly contacted all the Mitchell Group’s creditors. He also arranged round-the-clock security at the hospital, barring anyone but family from entering.

But something didn’t add up.

Samuel returned to the office, frowning. "Mr. Martin, the interest rates on these debts are exorbitant. Every payment has only covered interest—none of the principal. It’s been years."

Nathaniel’s eyes narrowed. "You reviewed the contracts?"

"Yes. They’re all signed by Mr. Mitchell. But it doesn’t make sense."

"Why not?" Nathaniel’s tone was flat.

Samuel hesitated. "Why would he agree to such unfair terms? He’s been paying interest for years—far exceeding the original debt. He had to know."

"You think he didn’t?"

Samuel paused. "No. He must have. So why accept it?"

Nathaniel leaned back. "Exactly. Why?"

The realization struck Samuel. "Unless he was deceived from the start."

Nathaniel’s expression darkened. "Have someone monitor the Mitchell Group discreetly. Employees might exploit the chaos."

"Understood." Samuel left quickly.

Nathaniel’s jaw tightened. If his suspicions were correct, this wasn’t just a financial crisis—it ran much deeper.

Otherwise, how had William failed to notice until now?