Chapter 128

"I'll treat my elders exactly how they've treated me."

Evelyn's voice was icy, her gaze unwavering.

Madam Victoria had never once held her as a granddaughter—not since the day she was born.

All because she was a girl.

Back then, Evelyn had been too young to understand.

She had still gone home for Thanksgiving with her parents, oblivious to the disdain.

But she remembered.

She remembered how Madam Victoria had treated her mother, Isabella.

Isabella had always remained composed, never reacting to the old woman’s cruelty.

Perhaps that was why Madam Victoria thought Evelyn was just like her.

For years, Evelyn had believed her mother’s coldness toward the Vanderbilts was solely because of Richard’s betrayal with Laura.

"Zoe, how dare you speak to your grandmother like that?" Laura, ever the dutiful daughter-in-law, tried to smooth things over.

Evelyn crossed her arms. "I’m just stating facts."

Her tone was sharp, unyielding. "I won’t give up Viana Jewelry. Not now, not ever."

She met Madam Victoria’s glare head-on. "Even if Dad hadn’t left it to me, I would have taken it back myself."

No one could stop her.

No one.

Madam Victoria’s face twisted in fury. "You insolent little—"

"Why wouldn’t I dare?" Evelyn cut her off, spinning on her heel and walking out before the old woman could finish.

The moment the door slammed behind her, the sound of shattering porcelain erupted from the dining room.

Laura’s frantic attempts to calm Madam Victoria were drowned out by the old woman’s rage.

Evelyn didn’t look back.

She strode through the restaurant, her heels clicking against the marble floor.

But then she stopped.

Her eyes locked onto a familiar car in the parking lot—a flashy Porsche in an obnoxiously bright shade of purple.

The license plate confirmed it.

Sophia’s car.

Sophia had a thing for eye-searing colors—red, neon green, and now this monstrosity.

Evelyn pulled out her phone and dialed.

Sophia answered on the second ring.

"What’s up?" Her voice was hushed, almost nervous.

Evelyn smirked. "Are you at Sunrise?"

A pause. Then, a hesitant, "How did you know?"

"I saw your car." Evelyn leaned against the hood of her own vehicle. "Why are you whispering? On a date?"

"No, I—"

"Ms. Hill, we can reschedule if you’re busy." A man’s voice cut in, smooth and polite.

Sophia let out an awkward laugh. "No, no need. I’ll explain later."

The call ended abruptly.

Evelyn stared at her phone.

A man’s voice?

This girl.

Was William forcing her into another blind date?

Shaking her head, Evelyn turned and headed toward the elevator at Goldmann Group.

She wasn’t paying attention.

Her mind was still on Sophia’s strange behavior.

Which was why she didn’t see him until it was too late.

She collided with a solid chest.

Strong hands steadied her before she could stumble back.

Evelyn looked up—and immediately wished she hadn’t.

Nathan Goldmann.

Of course.

She stepped back, brushing off his touch.

His brow arched. "Are we strangers now?"

Evelyn gritted her teeth. "Mr. Goldmann, this is the main lobby."

She gestured to the bustling crowd around them. "People are watching."

And they were.

Nathan’s presence alone was enough to draw attention.

Now, standing this close to him in the middle of the elevator bank?

They might as well have been under a spotlight.

Nathan didn’t seem to care.

He blocked her path, his expression unreadable. "You’re avoiding me."

Evelyn scoffed. "I’m busy."

She tried to sidestep him, but he moved with her.

His voice dropped, low enough that only she could hear. "We need to talk."

Evelyn’s pulse jumped.

She forced herself to meet his gaze. "About what?"

Nathan’s lips curved, just slightly. "You know exactly what."