Meanwhile, when Evelyn arrived at her parents place.
Her parents house stood quiet in the morning sun, the familiar warmth of home a small comfort after the chaos of the night.
She hesitated before knocking. Her heart was still racing from everything that had happened.
The door swung open almost immediately.
Her mother's eyes widened as she took in Evelyn's face. "Evelyn! What happened? Are you okay?" Her voice was gentle and filled with concern but there was a sharp edge beneath it.
Evelyn's hands trembled slightly as she stepped inside. "It—it's complicated," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. She sank into the nearest chair, unsure how to start.
Her father appeared from the study. His usually calm demeanour was replaced with something fiercer.
With his eyes locked on hers, he said, "Evelyn—tell us everything." His voice was low but commanding. There was no doubt that he was furious but he also wanted to give his daughter a chance to explain the situation.
Evelyn took a shaky breath and recounted the evening carefully, without hiding her fear and humiliation. She spoke of Jack, the cruelty and how vulnerable she had felt. She left out no details about her panic and how Alexander had supported and rescued her.
Her mother's hand found hers, squeezing tightly. "How dare he?" she hissed. Her voice trembled with rage. "No one treats my daughter that way!" She pulled Evelyn into a hug, holding her as if trying to shield her from the world itself.
Her father's jaw tightened and his hands clenched at his sides. "Jack—that boy has gone too far," he said, his voice low but charged with anger. He never really liked his daughter's relationship with the youngest Reid but he refrained from interfering with his grown up daughter's business.
He paused and took a deep breath, trying to regain composure. "But calm down, Evelyn. We will handle this. I promise you, nothing will harm you. You are safe here."
Evelyn's chest tightened as she felt the warmth and protection radiating from them. She had expected lectures, cold advice or even blame but not this.
The fierce and protective care from her parents made her feel like the world outside could not touch her.
Her mother pulled back slightly, brushing a loose strand of hair from Evelyn's face. "You did the right thing by coming home. Let us deal with the media and that Jack brat. We will make sure he never hurts you again," she said softly, though her eyes were still blazing with fury.
Her father's expression hardened. "This is unacceptable. You don't deserve to be treated this way, Evelyn and anyone who tries to harm you directly or indirectly will answer to me. You hear me?"
Evelyn nodded, swallowing hard. The knot in her chest loosened slightly and her eyes teared up.
Her mother's fingers trailed along Evelyn's arm. "Rest, talk when you need to, cry if you want. We are here. You are not alone, darling. Your father and I will let you be alone."
Her father stepped closer. "I will make sure he understands the consequences of his actions. And Jack—he is reckless but he will learn. You won't have to face him alone."
Evelyn's eyes filled with tears again but they were not from fear—they were from relief. Her family's support was a shield and it was stronger than any protection money or influence could buy.
Just as she began to feel a sliver of peace, her father's phone buzzed on the side table. He glanced at it, frowning.
Evelyn noticed the tight line of his lips and the hard edge in his eyes.
"What is it?" she asked, a chill creeping into her chest.
Her father didn't answer immediately. He looked at her and then back at the phone. "It's nothing. You go to your room and rest, I will handle this."
Evelyn's heart skipped a beat. She wanted to ask questions but she knew her father well enough to understand that he wouldn't tell her what was happening until it was necessary.
"Your father is right, dear." Her mother gently placed her hand on Evelyn's shoulder as she guided her towards the stairs. "Go to your room and rest, I'll bring a hot beverage for you."
As Evelyn ascended the stairs, her mother turned towards her husband. "Who is it?"
"It's Benjamin Reids." He narrowed his eyes in suspicion. "He wants to arrange a meeting."
…..