Chapter 166

"She's agreed to take a DNA test." Lillian turned to face him. "Once the results come in, you'll have no choice but to accept them."

Lucas shrugged indifferently. Ever since Vivian had publicly berated those children at the Michelin-starred restaurant and thrown coffee in someone's face, his instincts had warned him about her.

His mother had often spoken of his aunt Miranda. Given Miranda's aristocratic upbringing, her daughter wouldn't possibly behave so crudely. But if the DNA results confirmed their relation, he'd have to acknowledge her as his cousin - though that didn't mean he had to like her.

"What did you discover about the designer Zara?"

Lucas's eyes flickered. "She's actually Evelyn Vanderbilt, a luxury jewelry designer. Apparently involved with Mr. Goldmann."

Lillian's expression darkened instantly. "That woman?"

Vivian had mentioned having a stepsister named Evelyn who conspired with Penelope Santiago to frame her. So this was the mastermind behind the online scandal, and she was Nathan Goldmann's woman?

Lillian's face shifted through several emotions as she processed this. Not even the Goldmann family could intimidate the de Armas.

The children woke up unusually early, buzzing with excitement about visiting their grandfather at the Goldmann estate. Caleb even arranged for two days' absence from school with Oliver's help.

Nathan carried Daisy to the car while Liam followed closely behind, carefully carrying both his and Daisy's bags.

After settling Daisy in the backseat, Nathan turned to see Evelyn and Caleb approaching.

Caleb was practically bouncing with excitement - this would be his first visit to the family estate, unlike Liam and Daisy who'd been there before.

Noticing Evelyn's slow pace, Caleb grabbed her hand. "Mommy, hurry up!"

Evelyn resisted internally but couldn't refuse when her children were so eager.

Caleb scrambled into the first car to join Liam and Daisy.

All three children stuck their heads out the window, giggling. "Mommy, you ride with Daddy in the other car!"

Evelyn sighed but complied, sliding into the second car. She put on her sunglasses and shoved both hands deep into her coat pockets.

Nathan sat beside her in silence, his demeanor as unreadable as it had been since last night - that familiar, impenetrable mask back in place.

Evelyn stared out the window, suddenly uncomfortable with this new dynamic between them. But wasn't this arrangement ideal?

They were only together for the children's sake, with no expectations beyond that. In a year, she could...

Her thoughts trailed off as she remembered how naturally the children had bonded with Nathan. The realization gave her pause.

Upon arriving at the estate, the cars stopped before the grand entrance where the butler awaited them.

"Hello, Mr. Chester," Daisy and Liam greeted politely.

The elderly butler smiled warmly, about to respond when he noticed Nathan approaching with a woman and another child.

He did a double take at Liam and Daisy, then realized they were triplets. "Young Master Goldmann," Mr. Chester acknowledged with a respectful nod.

Nathan returned the nod and ushered the children inside.

Evelyn entered the mansion with hands still buried in her pockets, her breath catching at the sight before her. It felt like stepping into another world entirely.

The sheer scale of the mansion, its antique architecture - this was how Bassburgh's elite truly lived.

Mr. Goldmann Sr. stood waiting in the grand hall, his face lighting up as his three grandchildren came running toward him. He crouched with open arms. "There they are - my precious grandchildren!"