Chapter 289

The sun cast long shadows across the training grounds as Evelyn adjusted her uniform. Since Edmund had taught her self-defense, she wondered if Nathan suspected he'd taught her other skills too? Her heart pounded beneath her calm exterior as she met his piercing gaze.

"Uncle Edmund saw how challenging it was for me to manage the children alone," she explained with practiced ease, smoothing her hair. "He simply taught me basic self-defense. Surely that's not unreasonable?"

Nathan's lips curved slightly. "Of course not."

Even if his beautiful wife chose to keep secrets, he'd uncover them eventually.

As Evelyn left the private dining room, Winifred lurked nearby, desperate to identify her mysterious companion. The color drained from her face when she saw Harrison Lawson escorting Nathan out.

So that was why she'd rejected Felix! She'd set her sights on someone far more powerful!

Rachel scrolled through her phone when the door creaked open. She shoved the device under her pillow as Evelyn entered.

"You're back," Rachel forced a smile, avoiding eye contact.

"I'm sorry for leaving you downstairs." Evelyn frowned, removing her jacket. She'd wanted to dine with Rachel, but revealing her connection to Nathan wasn't an option yet.

Rachel waved dismissively. "It's fine." She hesitated. "Evelyn...do you know Mr. Goldmann?"

Evelyn froze mid-motion. "Why do you ask?"

"Oh, just..." Rachel's laugh sounded brittle. "I heard Chief Lawson wanted to see you, and that day with Chloe—"

"Rachel," Evelyn interrupted gently, "there are things I can't explain yet. Please trust me on this."

She'd noticed Rachel's growing distance. It wasn't that she wanted to deceive her friend—she simply needed to prove herself on her own merits first.

Rachel nodded stiffly. "Get some rest. Big assessment tomorrow." As she turned away, Evelyn studied her roommate's tense shoulders before climbing into bed.

Dawn brought an empty bunk. Evelyn hurried through her morning routine, grabbing a quick breakfast from the commissary. Whispers followed her like shadows as she walked.

At the training field, a cluster of cadets fell silent as she approached, their smirks speaking volumes.

"Only lost one point for cheating? Must be nice sleeping with Mr. Goldmann."

"Pathetic. Wasn't she some rich man's mistress before getting dumped here?"

"Felix must've been blind to like trash like that."

The words stung differently coming from strangers. Evelyn almost laughed—she'd known rumors would spread once her connection to Nathan surfaced. But who had leaked it?

Rachel's probing questions from last night resurfaced. Evelyn's hands clenched. The pieces were falling into place.