Chapter 102

"Mr. Goldmann, that's really unnecessary. You shouldn't have gone to such trouble," Evelyn stammered, flustered.

How can I possibly accept a gift from an elder?

Mr. Goldmann Sr. had already retrieved a velvet box and slowly opened it. "I hope this suits your taste."

Inside lay an exquisite imperial jade bracelet. Evelyn leaned in, her breath catching. "Is this... imperial jade?"

Mr. Goldmann Sr.'s eyes brightened. "Oh? You recognize it?"

Nathan's lips curved slightly. "Father, Zoe is a jewelry designer. She knows her gems."

"Ah, no wonder she has such a discerning eye." Mr. Goldmann Sr. nodded approvingly. "This imperial jade is one of a kind—a family heirloom. It was left by Nathan’s mother as a dowry for his future wife."

Evelyn’s fingers twitched. "Mr. Goldmann, this is far too precious. I can't possibly accept it."

Nathan smoothly intercepted the box before she could refuse. "Once a gift is given, it’s impolite to return it. I’ll hold onto it for now."

Evelyn shot him a glare. "You—"

Mr. Goldmann Sr. chuckled, watching their exchange. "You’re both still young. There’s plenty of time to figure things out."

He winked. "Besides, I know my son. Not just any woman can handle him."

Evelyn nearly groaned. I don’t want to handle him!

By the time they arrived at the Goldmann mansion after dinner, the night had deepened.

Mr. Chester greeted them warmly. "Mr. Goldmann, welcome home!"

"I’ve returned to see my grandchildren," the elder man replied with a grin.

"Grandpa!" Daisy came bounding down the stairs, Liam and Caleb trailing behind her.

Mr. Goldmann Sr. knelt, arms wide. "My, my, this little one has grown!"

Daisy pouted. "No, I haven’t!"

When Caleb approached, Mr. Goldmann Sr. studied him with amusement. "You and Liam could be twins. No wonder your father was fooled."

Caleb hesitated before murmuring, "Hi, Grandpa."

The three children swarmed around him, their laughter filling the hall.

Evelyn watched from the sidelines, a bittersweet ache in her chest.

This is what a real family feels like. Warmth I never knew in the Vanderbilt manor.

Nathan glanced at her, his expression unreadable.

Later, after her shower, Evelyn stepped out of the bathroom, reaching for the light switch.

Nathan caught her wrist, spun her around, and pinned her to the bed.

"Nathan Goldmann, what are you doing?" She struggled against his weight.

He smirked, lifting her hand to brush his lips against her knuckles. "My father adores you."

Evelyn turned her face away. "So?"

"Not just him. The children too." His fingertips traced her cheek. "Zoe, the Goldmanns will never hurt you. Neither will I."

Her lashes fluttered. The words tugged at her, but she couldn’t let herself believe them.

"Nathan," she whispered, "would you even care about me if it weren’t for the children?"

His gaze darkened.

She met his stormy eyes. "What happened six years ago was just a—"