Chapter 124

Nathan pulled Evelyn into his lap as he settled into the armchair. "Start talking," he commanded, his voice low but firm.

Exhausted from struggling, Evelyn finally surrendered to his relentless tactics.

'He's resorting to childish methods just to make me talk!'

Catching her breath, she gripped his wrist tightly, fearing another sudden tickle attack. "I've known Uncle Edmund for years, but I don't understand his connection to my mother."

'How would I know the very thing I'm trying to discover myself?'

Nathan studied her expression, finding no traces of deception this time. His stern lips finally relaxed. "You're unaware of his true identity?"

"His status doesn't matter to me. Uncle Edmund has been my greatest supporter after my mother." Though not related by blood, she considered him family—the only person who truly remembered her mother's existence.

Nathan's gaze lowered. Evelyn clearly knew nothing about Metropolis or her mother's de Arma lineage.

"I've told you everything. May I finish my ramen now?"

A faint smile touched Nathan's lips as he released her.

Evelyn waited until he stood before reclaiming her seat and resuming her meal.

"Get some rest after you eat," Nathan instructed before heading upstairs.

Evelyn watched his retreating figure, a thought nagging at her. 'Has he discovered something?'

The next morning...

Entering Soul Jewelry's headquarters, Evelyn noticed employees huddled together, their whispers ceasing abruptly when they spotted her. One woman quickly pocketed her phone. "Ms. Zara—"

"Is something wrong?" Evelyn maintained her professional smile.

"Ms. Zara... it's about Ms. Santiago. Social media is exploding with posts blaming you," the employee admitted awkwardly.

Evelyn checked her phone, confirming Vivian had successfully redirected all blame onto her.

"Zoe." Gregory approached, scattering the gossiping staff back to their workstations.

"Uncle Gregory." She turned with practiced calm.

"Have you seen the trending posts?"

"Just did. Vivian's pinned everything on me." Her voice remained steady.

Gregory frowned deeply. "Vivian's backed into a corner and lashing out. While you promised Mrs. Santiago to help Penelope, releasing that recording now would destroy her credibility."

"Alternatively, we could abandon the Santiagos and end this immediately." He sighed, unable to comprehend why Evelyn insisted on helping them.

Evelyn's smile held strategic calculation. "Uncle Gregory, assisting the Santiagos serves our long-term interests. They're key players in jewelry—making enemies would be unwise."

"Moreover, if Laura recruits them as allies again, we'd face significant disadvantages."

Gregory paused, then chuckled self-deprecatingly. "My perspective was too narrow. I hadn't considered those angles."

'Building goodwill with the Santiagos ensures smoother future interactions. Antagonizing them would hinder Soul Jewelry's growth.'

"Not narrow-minded—just concerned. Don't worry, Vivian should have sought my permission before targeting me."

Returning to her office, Evelyn opened her laptop and logged into her social accounts. Vivian had masterfully manipulated public opinion, using the viral photo of Penelope pushing Evelyn as definitive "proof" of her narrative.