Chapter 430

Though Evelyn had always been dismissed as "simple-minded" by Victoria since childhood, she was far from it. At the mention of "living together," her slender shoulders tensed, and the sweetness of her freshly squeezed orange juice turned bitter on her lips.

Nathaniel discreetly took her small, cool hand in his, gripping it firmly. "Mr. Sinclair, I know my past hasn't been spotless, but I'm asking for a chance to change—to start over. I may have had my wild days, but I've never been vulgar. And Evelyn is the first and only woman I've ever brought home."

"Nathaniel, what I mean is—"

"Let me be blunt. I can't live without her now."

Nathaniel's chest swelled with overwhelming love. He pressed a fervent kiss to Evelyn's hand, his gaze brimming with a devotion that was impossible to ignore. "If I go a single day without seeing her, I think I'll lose my mind."

His deep, tender voice sent a feather-light flutter through Evelyn's heart.

She felt the same. The thought of being apart from Nathaniel was unbearable. Without him, she couldn't eat, couldn't sleep—couldn't function.

Frederick's cheeks burned red. He'd encountered all sorts of people in his life, but never someone so shameless! To speak like this in front of an elder—utterly disgraceful!

"There's another reason I don't want Evelyn returning to Windsor Estates," Nathaniel continued, his tone turning serious.

Frederick frowned. "And what's that?"

"I'm afraid she might be mistreated."

"Preposterous!" Frederick's brows knitted tighter. "Evelyn is my treasure. Windsor Estates is her home. Who would dare bully her here?"

"Mr. Sinclair, you're rarely home, so it's understandable if you're unaware of what happens under your own roof. But you can't assume that just because Evelyn lives here, she's happy."

Nathaniel didn't outright accuse Victoria. After all, she was also Frederick's daughter. If he exposed her cruelties without tact, he'd humiliate his future father-in-law. More importantly, he believed he could protect Evelyn himself.

Even if Frederick knew everything, what could he do? He hadn't even realized the extent of his own wife's misdeeds—how could he confront Victoria?

Daniel stood silently nearby, watching Frederick with quiet intrigue.

Everyone at Windsor Estates knew Victoria had tormented Evelyn for years. Even Eleanor, the woman who raised them, was aware. Only Frederick, their own father, remained oblivious.

"Evelyn, who dares bully you in this house?" Frederick demanded, his gaze locked onto his timid daughter, struggling to contain his rising fury.

Evelyn's forehead glistened with sweat. She opened her mouth but couldn't force out a single word.

Nathaniel felt her palm dampen in his. He leaned closer, his voice soft but firm. "Evelyn, don't be afraid. You have me and your father here. If you've suffered, speak up. We'll stand by you."

He desperately wanted her to expose Victoria's cruelty—to demand justice for herself.

Two pairs of expectant eyes bore into her. After a long pause, Evelyn finally whispered, "No... no one bullies me."

"Evelyn." Nathaniel's heart sank. But when his hand brushed against her back, he realized her dress was soaked through with sweat.

His expression darkened, his chest tightening as if squeezed by an invisible fist. He was pushing her too hard. He shouldn't force her to relive her pain or seek vengeance.

The woman he loved didn't need to fight. He would fight for her.

"Was it your sister?"

Frederick's sudden question struck Evelyn like an arrow. She lowered her head, fingers twisting the fabric of her dress, but remained silent.

"Is it true? Has Victoria been tormenting you all this time? Tell me, and I'll make it right!"

"Mr. Sinclair, you know Evelyn's nature. She isn't like Victoria, who knows how to charm you. Because Victoria is family, Evelyn endures in silence—too kind-hearted to retaliate."

Nathaniel couldn't hold back any longer. His voice turned icy. "What's done is done. There's no point dredging up the past. Besides, you consider both your daughters precious, don't you?"

His words didn't name Victoria, but the implication was clear.

Frederick's face darkened, his large hand clenching into a fist on his knee.

Nathaniel helped Evelyn to her feet, his arm slipping possessively around her waist, pulling her close.

"The past stays in the past. For your sake, I'll let it go. But the future is different. Now that Evelyn is mine, I won't tolerate anyone hurting her. No matter who they are, they'll pay dearly."

After Nathaniel and Evelyn left, the study grew suffocatingly tense. Frederick could still feel the chilling weight of Nathaniel's words pressing down on him.

"So even Nathaniel knows Victoria has been bullying Evelyn?" Frederick turned to Daniel in disbelief. "The servants knew. Everyone knew—except me? Her own father?"

Daniel sighed. "Mr. Sinclair, don't be too hard on yourself. Managing an estate and a corporation—it's easy to overlook things."

Frederick buried his face in his hands. "I've failed her. I didn't realize how miserable she was at home."

"But that's over now. Evelyn has Nathaniel—someone who cherishes and protects her. You can rest easy." Daniel spoke earnestly. "She's grown, Mr. Sinclair. Keeping her locked away, sheltered from the world—it isn't healthy. And haven't you noticed? Since being with Nathaniel, she's happier. More alive."

Frederick nodded faintly. It was true—he hadn't seen his daughter smile so brightly in years.

"Victoria... I've spoiled her rotten! How could she treat her own sister this way!" The memory of Victoria's childhood innocence twisted like a knife in his chest.

Daniel hesitated before adding, "Mr. Sinclair, you know what they say—'You lie with dogs, you rise with fleas.'"

Frederick's jaw clenched.

A knock interrupted them. Victoria's saccharine voice floated through the door. "Daddy? Are you busy?"

"Come in."

Victoria entered, radiant, carrying a tray. "Daddy, I know I upset you earlier. I brought your favorite snacks to apologize. Don't be mad, okay?"

She set the tray down and moved to hug him, as she always did when seeking forgiveness. But this time, Frederick held up a hand to stop her.

"I hope this is the last time you disgrace yourself. You're a Sinclair—act like it. Or you're no better than a common social climber."

Victoria froze mid-step, forcing a smile. "Of course, Daddy. It won't happen again."

Frederick didn't touch the food.

"Daddy, the equestrian event is coming up. You loved my riding outfit last year, right? I had one made for you too. Want to try it on?"

Her attempts to placate him fell flat.

"Victoria, you won't be attending this year."

Her face paled. "What? You always take me!"

"This year is different."

"Why?" Panic flashed in her eyes. "All the elite families will be there! You can't exclude me!"

"This year, I'm taking Evelyn."

Victoria's mind reeled. "What?"

"Why not? She's my daughter too. A Sinclair."

Frederick finally met her gaze, his eyes colder than she'd ever seen. "You've gone for years—surely you're tired of it. Evelyn's never been. Most of Elmsworth doesn't even know her. From now on, she'll have these opportunities. It's only fair."

Fair?

After neglecting Evelyn for over a decade, now he cared about fairness?

Victoria's lips trembled. "But—Evelyn's condition! What if she has an episode?"

"Don't worry. Nathaniel will take care of her."

Her face drained of color.

"Leave. I have work to do."

As Victoria turned away, her eyes burned with hatred, teeth grinding in silent fury.