Chapter 13

Laura’s face twisted with fury as she stormed out of the restaurant, her heels clicking sharply against the marble floor. She couldn’t believe Nathan had actually made her apologize to those brats.

Those little devils better not be Evelyn’s.

Inside, Nathan watched Daisy and Caleb hurry away, their small figures disappearing through the grand doors. His chest tightened inexplicably.

Oliver blinked in surprise. "Mr. Goldmann, those kids have quite the attitude, don’t they?"

Nathan didn’t respond. His mind was elsewhere.

Outside, Caleb wiped his face, the tears already gone. He smirked at Daisy. "See? Told you I could cry on command."

But Daisy wasn’t laughing.

Her cheek still stung from Laura’s slap. Caleb’s expression darkened as he gently touched the red mark. "That witch is going to regret this."

Daisy bit her lip. "Caleb… that woman is Vivian’s mother. Do you think Daddy really doesn’t want us?"

Her voice wobbled. The pain from the slap was nothing compared to the sinking feeling in her chest. Nathan had only demanded an apology—nothing more.

Caleb squeezed her hand. "He’s just blinded by Vivian right now. But we’ll make him see the truth. We can’t let him know who we are yet."

Not until we’re sure he’s worth it.

Daisy nodded firmly. "Yeah. We’ll protect Mommy no matter what."

Viana Jewelry

Laura barged into Evelyn’s office without knocking, her face flushed with rage. "You conniving little—!"

Evelyn didn’t even look up from her files. "Laura, must you always sound like a broken record? ‘Btch’ this, ‘btch’ that. It’s getting tiresome."

Laura slammed her hands on the desk. "Don’t play dumb! You came back to Zlokova with two bastards, didn’t you?"

Evelyn’s fingers stilled.

Bastards?

She closed the folder slowly, her gaze icy. "What are you talking about?"

Laura scoffed. "I saw two kids today. Spitting image of you. Admit it—they’re yours!"

Evelyn’s pulse spiked, but her face remained blank. "I have no idea what you’re referring to."

Sophia wouldn’t have taken them out in public… Would she?

Laura narrowed her eyes. "You’re lying."

Evelyn leaned back, feigning indifference. "Even if they were mine, why would you care? Worry about your own daughter. Last I checked, Viana Jewelry is drowning in scandals under her ‘leadership.’"

Laura’s face twisted. "You—!"

Evelyn cut her off. "Tell me, Laura, do you even know what’s happening in your own company? Or are you too busy playing the trophy wife?"

Laura’s nostrils flared, but then a smug smile curled her lips. "You think you’re so clever, don’t you? But let me remind you—Vivian is Nathan Goldmann’s girlfriend. You’ll never compare."

Evelyn’s fingers twitched, but she kept her voice steady. "I have zero interest in your daughter’s love life. But Viana Jewelry? That, I will take back."

Laura stormed out, leaving Evelyn alone with her thoughts.

Those kids…

She exhaled sharply.

I won’t let the Vanderbilts use them against me.