Chapter 15

Evelyn inhaled deeply, steadying her nerves before forcing a polite smile. "I'm uncertain what attitude Mr. Goldmann expects from us. If an apology is what he seeks, then I'll offer one on her behalf."

An apology—that’s all he wants, right?

Summoning every ounce of composure, she dipped into a slight bow. "My apologies, Mr. Goldmann."

Nathan’s lips curled with faint irony as he observed her lowered stance. "I never expected Miss Vanderbilt to apologize for her friend. Hard to believe you're the same person who'd harm her own sister."

Evelyn straightened abruptly, suspicion darkening her gaze. "What exactly are you implying, Mr. Goldmann?"

Hurt my sister? Is he talking about Vivian?

Nathan closed the distance between them, his voice a careless murmur near her ear. "I thought you were someone who owned her actions. Turns out, you're just like the rest."

With that, he turned away dismissively. "Consider today’s incident forgotten—this once."

Sophia exhaled shakily, her racing heart finally settling as they left. But Nathan’s cryptic words lingered. "Zoe, what was he talking about?"

Evelyn shrugged, feigning indifference. "Who knows? Maybe he thinks I’m targeting Vivian deliberately and feels the need to defend her as her man."

Sophia’s eyes widened. "Wait—Vivian Vanderbilt is Nathan Goldmann’s lover?" She scoffed. "Is he blind? Out of all women, he chose her?"

Evelyn shot her a pointed look. "Gossiping already? I’d worry more about explaining last night to your father."

Without another word, she strode off.

Sophia pouted but hurried after her.

The Next Day

Evelyn handed a procurement list to the purchasing department. "Order the rough diamonds exactly as specified. Any mistakes will be on you this time."

The clerk scanned the document and nodded. "Understood."

As Evelyn turned to leave, the office phone rang. The clerk set the list down and answered.

Another employee seized the moment, snapping a photo of the supplier details from the slip before slipping back to her desk. Within seconds, the image was discreetly sent to Vivian.

Seated in her office, Vivian smirked at the message.

Since you’re overseeing procurement, don’t blame me for what comes next.

Her landline buzzed. She picked up. "Yes?"

"Viv, I’ve been calling your cell for hours! Why is it off?" Laura’s voice crackled through the line.

Vivian’s grip tightened. "That witch smashed it. I’ll replace it tomorrow. What do you want?"

"Your father’s summoning her home tonight. Bring Nathan for dinner. Once you make your relationship official, your father won’t let her stay a second longer!"

Vivian frowned. "Mother, when has Nathan ever agreed to dine with us? What if he refuses?"

In six years, he’d never once accepted an invitation to the Vanderbilt estate.

Laura’s tone turned sharp. "Persuade him. Your father’s counting on you. If you can’t even do this, how can we secure your future?"

The words struck a nerve.

Father only values me because of Nathan. Without him, I’m nothing compared to Evelyn.

Evelyn sat in her office, reviewing staff records. Her focus landed on Gregory Fannon—her mother’s former assistant, the one who’d sustained Viana Jewelry’s sales after her death.

The company’s decline began the day he resigned.

Her phone vibrated. Richard Vanderbilt’s name flashed on the screen.

She hesitated.

Returning to the Vanderbilt manor felt surreal. The moment she stepped inside, the housekeeper gasped. "Miss Evelyn?"

Laura, draped in an evening gown, set her teacup down with a saccharine smile. "Zoe, you’re finally home!"

Evelyn’s expression iced over at the sight of her.

You still owe me for that slap. And I will collect.

Laura simpered. "Your father missed you. That’s why he invited you tonight. Must you look so hostile?"

Evelyn’s laugh was brittle. "Feels more like a last supper."

Laura’s smile faltered. "How could you say that about a family dinner?"

"Spare me the act. I prefer when you call me a bitch—it’s almost endearing."

Before Laura could retort, Richard’s voice boomed from the stairs. "Six years abroad, and this is how you speak to your mother?"

Evelyn smirked. "My mother’s dead. You watched her burn, remember?"

Richard’s face purpled with rage. "Is this what you learned overseas? Disrespecting your elders?"

Guilt had once gnawed at him for casting her out. Now, all he saw was defiance.

Laura intervened, playing the martyr. "Richard, don’t blame her. I’m just her stepmother. Her resentment is understandable."

Evelyn scoffed. "You’re worse than a stepmother."

"Evelyn Vanderbilt!" Richard roared. "I called you here for dinner, not a fight. If you can’t behave, leave!"

She met his glare, unflinching.

Just like six years ago. He’ll always believe them over me.

"Gladly." She spun toward the door—only to freeze as Vivian entered, clinging to Nathan’s arm.

Richard and Laura fawned over him, their anger vanishing. "Mr. Goldmann! We didn’t expect you!"

Nathan’s gaze slid to Evelyn, his tone dry. "The Vanderbilts are... lively tonight."

Richard coughed. "Ah, this is my younger daughter, Evelyn."

"Ah, the renowned designer Zara. I hadn’t realized she was a Vanderbilt."

Richard nodded stiffly. "She... takes after her mother."

Evelyn watched the charade, arms crossed. Their sycophantic act was almost amusing.

"I’ll excuse myself. Enjoy your meal."

Vivian blocked her path. "Zoe, stay. We’re family."

Laura chimed in, oozing faux warmth. "Yes, dear, don’t upset your father."

Evelyn’s smile was razor-thin. "How touching."