Chapter 137

Laura used to get whatever she wanted with just a tantrum. But now, Richard wouldn't even glance her way.

All because of Evelyn!

She remained silent, but her mind churned with dark thoughts.

After Vivian finished breakfast, Laura slipped into Richard's study.

She needed to discover what that old fool had been hiding.

What she uncovered left her breathless. Every item belonged to Isabella!

Laura's vision blurred with angry tears. All these days locked away, he'd been organizing a dead woman's belongings!

That wretched man still pined for his deceased wife!

Scanning the collection, Laura noticed something peculiar - not a single photograph of Isabella. Just worthless trinkets she couldn't fathom why he'd kept.

Then her fingers brushed against a red wooden box buried beneath the clutter.

The delicate vintage bracelet inside caught the light - blue agate stones set in gold filigree.

Cheap costume jewelry, really.

"Mother? What's caught your attention?"

Vivian's sudden appearance made Laura jump. She hastily set the bracelet aside. "Your father's shrine to Isabella."

Vivian's gaze immediately locked onto the glittering bracelet.

"That's exquisite." She reached to try it on.

Laura grabbed her wrist. "Don't! That's bad luck!"

"It's just jewelry, Mother." Vivian slipped it onto her slender wrist anyway.

Laura relented. If the girl wanted some dead woman's bauble, let her keep it.

Meanwhile, at Vanderbilt Tower's sixteenth floor...

"Viana Jewelry has slashed prices," Gregory reported. "The Santiago Group's pressure must be crushing them."

Evelyn's brow furrowed.

Viana was clearly desperate. The Vanderbilts couldn't possibly cover such massive losses.

Soul Studio's launch approached in seven days. Evelyn had planned to use Vivian's designs as bait before delivering the final blow, but Penelope Santiago's interference ruined everything.

Still, she'd honor her commitment to Madam Nora's auction.

The door swung open unexpectedly. Richard stood there, and Evelyn's expression darkened.

She hadn't seen him since his accusatory visit.

"To what do I owe this visit, Father?"

The formal address created palpable distance.

Richard recalled Laura's confession about framing Evelyn. Days of reflection brought him here.

"Let's talk."

Evelyn froze. No interrogation? Just conversation?

Gregory discreetly exited. As silence stretched, Richard sighed deeply. "You wanted to know about your mother's past, didn't you?"