Chapter 168

"Even if I did see something, why should I care?" Evelyn shrugged with a forced smile.

Belonging? That word stung more than she expected.

Nathan narrowed his eyes as he walked past her. "Clearly it doesn't bother you." There was no point discussing it further.

Evelyn stood frozen. His words pierced her heart like tiny needles, leaving an uncomfortable ache spreading through her chest.

She clenched her fists. No, she shouldn't care. There was nothing between them anyway.

What she didn't know was that three little pairs of eyes had witnessed everything. The children had officially put their parents' relationship on high alert!

Mr. Goldmann Sr. stood behind them, gently patting their heads.

After Evelyn walked away, Caleb whispered, "Grandpa, what if Mommy never accepts Daddy?"

The elder Goldmann understood the situation perfectly. "Then that's your mother's issue to resolve. She's probably just uncertain."

She was still unsure whether Nathan could be her anchor - insecure about love, marriage, and building a life together.

He didn't know what storms this young woman had weathered.

"I saw Daddy talking to that woman earlier," Liam interjected. "Do you think Mommy saw them and got the wrong idea?"

Mr. Goldmann Sr. paused, then chuckled. "Possibly. But don't worry - Aunt Chloe would never be interested in someone like your father."

The elder Goldmann knew the Lawson siblings well after decades in business. He could read people like open books.

The three Lawson children had grown up in military barracks alongside Nathan. Each possessed unique strengths.

Harrison was impulsive but fiercely loyal - earning the elder Goldmann's trust. Oliver noticed every detail, which was why Nathan had placed him at ckgold.

Chloe, the youngest, was bold and unrestrained. Not even Elder Goldmann could control her, which explained why she remained in special forces.

The children gaped. A woman who wasn't interested in their father? Unheard of!

"I have a plan." Liam's declaration made the others turn.

He stroked his chin thoughtfully. "If this works, Mommy will see how serious Daddy really is."

Mr. Goldmann Sr. raised an eyebrow at the child's grown-up mannerisms. "What brilliant scheme could a little boy devise?"

Caleb frowned. "But it might hurt Daddy."

The next morning...

Evelyn descended the stairs bleary-eyed after a restless night. She found Mr. Goldmann Sr., Daisy and Caleb already at breakfast.

"Sorry I overslept." She flushed at the breach of etiquette.

The elder Goldmann waved it off. "New environments disrupt sleep patterns. Join us."

As she sat, Evelyn noticed two absences. "Where's Liam?"

"Mommy, he left early with Daddy and Aunt Chloe," Caleb answered.

At Chloe's name, Evelyn's expression flickered.

Daisy shot a glance at Mr. Goldmann Sr.

The patriarch smiled reassuringly. "Evelyn, you needn't worry about Nathan. Chloe is Oliver's sister - they have an older brother Harrison. All three grew up with Nathan in the special forces."