Chapter 101

Evelyn slipped into a tailored office ensemble that exuded quiet sophistication.

She selected a crisp white V-neck blouse with delicate cap sleeves, pairing it with taupe high-waisted trousers that flared elegantly at the ankle. A satin ribbon detail at the waist added a touch of feminine refinement to the otherwise sharp silhouette.

The outfit was minimalist yet undeniably chic.

A waiter guided them to the private dining area while two broad-shouldered bodyguards in dark suits took positions outside.

"Mr. Goldmann." The guards dipped their chins in deference to Nathan before opening the double doors.

Inside the opulent private room sat a distinguished silver-haired gentleman in his late fifties.

The air around him crackled with the kind of authority that could only come from decades of wielding power - exactly what one would expect from Nathan's formidable father.

Given the Goldmann dynasty's centuries-old legacy, Evelyn had anticipated their standards for potential daughters-in-law would be astronomical.

She'd assumed they'd demand at least royalty or perhaps a Fortune 500 heiress.

Nathan's arm encircled Evelyn's waist as he guided her forward. "Father, meet your future daughter-in-law."

Evelyn's breath hitched.

'Did he just-?'

Mr. Goldmann Sr.'s piercing gaze swept over Evelyn from head to toe. Her fingers tightened around her clutch, though her expression remained perfectly composed. "A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Goldmann."

'Frankly, I couldn't care less about his approval. I never planned to become Mrs. Goldmann anyway.'

'Honestly? I'm hoping he hates me. A nice fat check to disappear would solve all my problems right now.'

The elder Goldmann gestured magnanimously. "Sit, sit. No need for formalities."

Evelyn took the indicated seat with practiced grace.

Mr. Goldmann Sr. studied her over steepled fingers. "I must say, I'm impressed someone so young has already given Nathan three heirs."

Evelyn's lips pressed into a thin line as her brows drew together.

'Is he only interested in the children? Is this about custody?'

"Tch." The older man shook his head. "Must've put up with this rascal's nonsense to raise those babies alone. My son doesn't deserve a woman of your caliber."

Evelyn's eyes widened fractionally.

'Wait - what?'

She blinked at Mr. Goldmann Sr. in stunned silence.

'Where's the classic "here's a blank check to disappear" speech? This isn't following the script at all.'

Nathan's mouth curved dangerously. "Now now, Father. Like it or not, I am your flesh and blood."

"If I'd known I was raising such a delinquent who'd wait until his thirties to settle down, I might've reconsidered paternal instincts," the older man grumbled.

Evelyn's gaze flickered between them before settling on Mr. Goldmann Sr. "Sir, I-"

He waved off her protest. "No need for explanations, my dear. If this scoundrel ever mistreats you, you've got my full support." His expression softened. "Three healthy heirs? You've single-handedly secured the Goldmann lineage. Without you, this fool might've let our family name die out."

Evelyn pressed her lips together, momentarily speechless.

'He carries himself exactly as I imagined - every inch the patrician aristocrat. But this warmth? This genuine approval? That I didn't see coming.'

"Nathan's mother passed when he was young," the older man continued, his voice tinged with nostalgia. "He's been rebelliously ignoring my advice for decades. Frankly, I'm relieved someone finally has him on a shorter leash."

Mr. Goldmann Sr. chuckled suddenly, eyes twinkling. "I've met Liam and Daisy. The moment I saw them, I knew they had to be Nathan's. They grow more delightful each time I visit."

Evelyn studied the undisguised affection in his expression.

'He genuinely adores them.'

The realization left her unexpectedly disoriented.

"Your name is Evelyn Vanderbilt, correct?"

She nodded. "Yes, sir."

"Then Zoe it shall be." He smiled benevolently. "Ah, before I forget - I brought you a little something."