Chapter 4 - The Threat in the Hospital Room
Nathaniel immediately stood up, stepping between Evelyn Sterling and Rose, his broad frame shielding the young maid completely.
“Evelyn,” Nathaniel said, his voice dropping into a dangerous, icy register. “You have five seconds to remove yourself and your lawyers from my mother’s hospital room before security throws you out the window.”
Evelyn chuckled dryly, pulling off her leather gloves with slow, deliberate precision.
“Don't be dramatic, Nathaniel,” Evelyn said smoothly. “Victoria is my daughter. She made a minor, reckless mistake during a emotional disagreement. My legal team will have her out on bail by five o'clock today.”
“Attempted murder is not a ‘minor mistake,’ Evelyn!” Eleanor shouted from her bed, her chest heaving with indignation. “She tried to throw me off an eighty-two-story building!”
Evelyn turned her arrogant gaze toward Eleanor, a chilling smile touching her crimson lips.
“You’re alive, aren't you, Eleanor?” Evelyn said dismissively. “You suffered a few bruises. Meanwhile, my daughter’s reputation and my family’s multi-billion-dollar company are being destroyed by fake news and wild accusations!”
Evelyn then looked around Nathaniel’s shoulder, staring at Rose with eyes full of poisonous contempt.
“And it’s all because of this pathetic, penniless catering girl,” Evelyn said, her voice dropping into a menacing whisper. “Listen to me carefully, girl. I know who you are. I know where you live in the East District. I know you work three job shifts to pay for your younger brother’s medical bills.”
Rose’s heart hammered against her ribs. She gripped the armrests of her chair, her face going pale.
“Evelyn, shut your mouth!” Nathaniel roared, taking a step forward.
“I am offering you a choice, Miss Lin,” Evelyn ignored Nathaniel, staring directly into Rose’s eyes. “You will sign an affidavit stating that the rooftop was dark, that you were intoxicated on spilled champagne, and that you misidentified Victoria pushing Eleanor. You will say it was a tragic accident.”
Evelyn signaled one of her lawyers, who stepped forward and placed a thick manila envelope on the bedside table.
“Inside that envelope is two million dollars in untraceable bearer bonds,” Evelyn said coldly. “Enough to pay off your brother’s hospital debts and buy you a comfortable house far away from this city.”
Rose stared at the envelope. Two million dollars. It was more money than her family would see in three lifetimes. It could pay for her brother’s heart surgery tomorrow.
Evelyn leaned in closer, her voice turning dark and razor-sharp.
“And if you refuse... if you testify in court against my daughter... I will ensure your brother’s hospital funding is canceled today. I will ensure you are fired from every catering company in this state. You will end up in the gutter, girl.”
Before Rose could even process the terrifying threat, Nathaniel grabbed Evelyn by her silk lapels, shoving her back toward the doorway with explosive force.
“Get out!” Nathaniel bellowed, his voice shaking the glass windows of the suite. “Get out of here before I destroy every asset your family has left!”
The two defense attorneys quickly intervened, pulling Evelyn back.
Evelyn straightened her jacket, giving Rose one final, terrifying look.
“You have until six o'clock tonight to sign the paper, girl,” Evelyn warned softly. “Choose wisely.”
The door slammed shut behind them.
The room fell into an uncomfortable, heavy silence.
Rose sat frozen in her chair, trembling violently, tears brimming in her eyes as she thought of her seven-year-old brother, Toby, sitting in a hospital bed five miles away.
Nathaniel turned around, dropping to one knee in front of Rose, taking her bandaged hands into his own warm palms.
“Rose,” Nathaniel said gently, his eyes filled with fierce determination. “Look at me.”
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Rose looked up, a tear spilling over her cheek.
“Do not fear that evil woman,” Nathaniel promised, his voice vibrating with absolute sincerity. “As long as I draw breath, no one will ever touch your brother, your job, or your family. I swear it on my life.”
