Right Person, Wrong Time

"If you had the nerve to do it, then you must be prepared to face the music, Evelyn," Gabriel coldly snapped before turning away. He no longer wanted to look at the pitiful look on Evelyn's face.

Hearing his words, she slumped on the ground as she softly sobbed. She bit her lips as tears flowed from her eyes. Resentment rose in her as she stared up at him.

"Are you unwilling to help me because I am not your actual sister?" she demanded. "Have you started to side with Nicole because she is the actual daughter of the family? Is that it?"

Her accusatory tone only made him find her even more unreasonable. His voice was frigid as he replied, "Evelyn, Nicole might be my sister in terms of blood, but have I ever treated you badly? Our parents never told anyone about your actual identity after they knew the truth. You are still Young Lady Evelyn of the Wrenn Family. How could you be so greedy? You are the one who has been attacking Nicole time and time again. Now that the truth is out, you wish to run away?"

His questions made her knees go weak. She clutched at his pants as though she was clutching her last shred of hope.

"Please help me, Gabriel. We grew up together. You can't just sit there and watch as I'm thrown in prison, right? One last time. I promise you that once this is over, I will never do anything like this again."

He shut his eyes in exhaustion when he saw her grovel at his feet. Still, he hardened his heart and ignored her pleas.

"Be prepared, Evelyn. I will not interfere in this matter. You have to take responsibility for your own actions."

At that point, she started bawling. In the end, he could not resist her cries. He then pursed his lips.

"It is only an attempt this time. At most, you'll be imprisoned for a few days. If you have truly decided to turn over a new leaf, properly apologize to Nicole afterward," he said.

She sat on the ground for a few long moments. Eventually, her cries faded away and she wiped her tears away. As she stumbled to her feet, she suppressed her emotions and forced a pitiful smile on her face.

"Okay. I got it."

After saying that, she turned and walked away.

…

Meanwhile, Colton brought Nicole back to his home. He kept his arms wrapped around her shocked form. He had not let go of her even once during the entire journey.

Sprawled out on his chest, she looked away in embarrassment. She continued to rest her head on his muscular chest as he carried her up the stairs.

He carefully placed her on the bed. Looking down at her, he said in a deep voice, "If I had known this would happen, I would never have let you return to the Goulds."

She chuckled when she saw the guilt on his face. "It would be the same even if I stayed in Gardner Residence. They were ready for me. The moment I stepped out of the door, they would kidnap me."