Chapter 156

A flicker of resentment flashed through Vivian's eyes.

Her face had gone pale. "Aunty, I know I'm nothing compared to my mother. You must remember she died when I was just a child. I—"

"Enough." Lillian's gaze turned dismissive. "Just conduct yourself properly from now on and don't disgrace your mother's memory. Your grandfather would despise this weak-willed nature of yours."

"The women of de Arma bloodline are born warriors. But you? You'll never measure up."

Vivian's fists clenched so tight her nails dug into her palms. "Understood."

'How dare she speak to me like this?'

"You may leave now. I require rest." Lillian rose from the sofa and ascended the staircase without another glance.

Emerging from the Laurent estate, Vivian's expression darkened. The matriarch's contempt had struck deeper than expected.

'Blood ties mean nothing without proof. I must eliminate Lillian's suspicions once and for all.'

A cruel smile twisted Vivian's lips.

'All I need is that bitch's hair sample. Once the DNA test confirms our relation, my position will be unshakable.'

That evening...

Nathan's luxury car idled outside the Vanderbilt gates as he studied Evelyn's conflicted expression. "Still having second thoughts?"

"I never agreed to come here." She glared at him. He'd driven straight to the manor after work without consulting her.

Nathan's lips quirked. "You watched Richard's apology video three times today. Deny it all you want - you still care."

Evelyn remained silent.

Her father's betrayal had cut deep. His infidelity, his distrust - she'd resented him for years.

Yet his recent words haunted her.

'Do I truly hate him?'

Perhaps not. Beneath the anger, he remained the only family she had left besides her children.

"Come on. You're still a Vanderbilt. With me here, no one dares mistreat you."

Evelyn shot him a withering look. "I don't need your protection to handle my own family."

She stepped out before he could respond.

Nathan sighed. 'Must she always be so stubborn? Just once, I wish she'd let me be the knight in shining armor.' He shook his head. 'Then again, I did threaten her when we first met. Guess I deserve this.'

The moment Evelyn crossed the threshold, stunned silence fell over the Vanderbilt living room.

Laura's face twisted in shock.

'Why is this wretch back?'

Madam Victoria and Lydia stared openly, the former's expression souring. "Well, look who finally remembers where she belongs."

Lydia gasped.

'Is that really Evelyn? She's become stunning!'

Evelyn crossed her arms, voice dripping with sarcasm. "Problem with me visiting home?"

Then Nathan entered.

Laura's face went sheet-white.

'Mr. Goldmann?!'

Madam Victoria's outrage doubled. "You bring some random man into—"

"Mother!" Laura hissed. "That's Nathan Goldmann."

The old woman's demeanor transformed instantly. "Oh Zoe darling, you should've warned us you were bringing Mr. Goldmann!" She rose with sudden enthusiasm.

Evelyn smirked. "Grandmother, weren't you just calling him 'some random man'?"