Chapter 16

Evelyn remained silent.

‘They went through all this trouble just to get me to stay for dinner. They even invited Nathan here and are now insisting I don’t leave. Fine. I’ll stay and see what this mother-daughter duo is plotting.’

She lifted her head and smiled. "Alright, then. I’ll stay for dinner."

Vivian and Laura hadn’t expected her to agree, but everything was going according to their plan.

Throughout the meal, Evelyn kept her head down, eating quietly. Richard and Laura barely spoke, likely due to Nathan’s presence.

Nathan himself barely touched his food. He had almost refused Vivian’s invitation to accompany her back to the Vanderbilt manor—until Evelyn’s name was mentioned.

Since Vivian claimed Evelyn had invited him, he wanted to see what game she was playing.

"Zoe, how have you been all these years?"

That was probably the first time Richard had ever pretended to care.

Evelyn didn’t even glance up. "I’ve been wonderful, thanks to you."

A flicker of discomfort crossed Richard’s face.

Laura shot Vivian a look, prompting her to act.

Vivian placed food into Nathan’s bowl. "Nathan, you should eat more."

Laura smiled sweetly. "Mr. Goldmann, thank you for looking after Vivian all these years. She’s always been such a thoughtful and well-mannered girl, but please be patient with her if she ever makes mistakes."

Evelyn nearly choked on her laughter.

Nathan noticed, his gaze sharpening. "Miss Vanderbilt seems to have something to say about that?"

All eyes turned to Evelyn.

She feigned innocence. "What could I possibly say? Though I am curious—Mr. Goldmann, you’re in your thirties, and you’ve been together for six years. Shouldn’t you be marrying our thoughtful and well-mannered Vivian by now?"

She emphasized the words mockingly, seeing right through their scheme.

Laura’s smile froze. Vivian stiffened.

Nathan’s glare could have burned through steel.

Vivian hurried to smooth things over. "Nathan, Zoe’s just joking. Don’t take it seriously."

Evelyn wasn’t done. "Vivian, why do you sound so formal with your own boyfriend?"

Vivian’s face darkened with fury.

Richard’s expression soured. Laura quickly intervened. "Zoe, really! This isn’t a matchmaking session."

‘Damn it. She had to bring up marriage? Is she trying to humiliate us?’

‘We only invited Nathan to remind her of her place, not to force the issue so blatantly. But now she’s ruined everything!’

Evelyn wasn’t stupid. The moment they insisted she stay for dinner with Nathan present, their intentions were clear.

So she played along—enthusiastically.

Ignoring Laura, she stared at Nathan. "Mr. Goldmann, don’t tell me you’ve never considered it."

She pretended to be shocked when his expression darkened. "That’s not right. A woman’s youth shouldn’t be wasted. Vivian’s already twenty-six—she’s not getting any younger."

Vivian’s embarrassment grew, but she didn’t dare look at Nathan.

Evelyn tilted her head. "Or… are you toying with my sister’s feelings?"

"Evelyn Vanderbilt!" Richard slammed the table, forgetting Nathan’s presence entirely. "Watch your mouth! How dare you speak to Mr. Goldmann like that?"

Evelyn smirked. "Getting angry over the truth? Father, even Mr. Goldmann isn’t upset. Are you really less magnanimous than him?"

If Nathan retaliated now, he’d only prove her point.

"You—!" Richard’s veins bulged.

‘This wretched girl! I never should have let her come back today.’

Evelyn set down her fork and stood. "Seems I’m no longer welcome. I was just helping voice the obvious, but suddenly, I’m the villain. As expected—I’ll always be an outsider here. Enjoy your meal."

Richard trembled with rage. Laura and Vivian weren’t faring much better.

Vivian glanced nervously at Nathan. "Nathan…?"

He stood, his expression icy. She didn’t dare say another word.

Without a backward glance, he strode out.

Richard, having lost his appetite, threw his napkin down and stormed upstairs.

Mother and daughter seethed—Evelyn had ruined everything.

Outside, Evelyn hailed a cab—until a hand yanked her back.

She stumbled, catching her balance before glaring at Nathan. "Mr. Goldmann, what’s the meaning of this?"

His jaw clenched. "Did you do that on purpose?"