Chapter 359

Evelyn's lips curved into an awkward smile.

'This girl's innocence is almost endearing.'

Just then, a frantic female staff member burst through the door. "Ms. Zara!" she gasped. "There's a furious couple outside demanding to see you!"

"Me?" Evelyn's brows knitted together as she rose from her seat, with Chloe following closely behind.

"Bring out whoever's in charge right now!" The middle-aged couple standing near the reception area wore expensive but understated clothing. Though not extravagantly wealthy, their attire screamed upper-middle class. Evelyn approached them calmly. "You were asking for me?"

The woman sized her up with narrowed eyes. "We're Winifred's parents."

Both Evelyn and Chloe visibly stiffened at the revelation.

Evelyn forced a polite smile. "Mr. and Mrs. Whitmore. Perhaps we should discuss this privately?"

"Absolutely not!" Mrs. Whitmore snapped, crossing her arms. "We'll have this conversation right here, where everyone can hear the truth about what happened to our daughter!"

"We went to that damned training camp," Mr. Whitmore interjected, his voice shaking with rage. "They claimed our Winifred attempted murder then killed herself out of guilt. But we know that's a lie!"

Chloe stepped forward. "Mrs. Whitmore, you can't possibly blame Ms. Vanderbilt for-"

"She was driven to suicide!" The woman's shrill voice cut through the studio. "My daughter never harmed anyone in her life! Suddenly she's accused of violence and locked up until she takes her own life?"

Mrs. Whitmore's finger trembled as she pointed at Evelyn. "We've been to every police station demanding justice. But they're too cowardly to touch this case - because she's married to Nathan Goldmann! Does money make you above the law?"

The studio staff exchanged shocked glances. While they'd noticed Evelyn's recent absence, none had known the details.

Chloe positioned herself protectively in front of Evelyn. "As parents, your grief is understandable. But Winifred's case remains under investigation."

"We never wanted this tragedy," she continued firmly. "But your daughter initiated every conflict with Ms. Vanderbilt. Despite being framed repeatedly, Ms. Vanderbilt is still trying to find Winifred's real killer. Isn't that enough?"

Mrs. Whitmore scoffed. "Framed? My daughter was the victim here!"

Evelyn raised a hand to silence Chloe. She met the grieving mother's gaze steadily. "Mrs. Whitmore, I understand your pain. But tell me this - who claimed Winifred was murdered?"

The woman's eyes darted sideways briefly before hardening. "That's irrelevant! We know you pressured our daughter to her death, and we won't rest until you pay!"

Evelyn's expression darkened. Her voice remained measured but carried new steel. "If you'd like to discuss this rationally, I'm willing to cooperate."

"But if you continue these baseless accusations," she continued, her tone dropping dangerously, "let me make something clear. I owe Winifred nothing. And I certainly didn't harm her."