Chapter 17

"Mr. Goldmann, why would you assume I orchestrated this? All I did was suggest you and Vivian might be a good match, didn’t I?" Evelyn protested, struggling to free her wrist from his grip.

Nathan yanked her forward, nearly sending her tumbling into his arms.

His voice was icy. "You’re the one who told Vivian to invite me to the Vanderbilt estate. Was this your scheme all along?"

Evelyn blinked, momentarily stunned, before meeting his gaze with an incredulous laugh. "So now I’m the mastermind behind Vivian’s invitation? How flattering."

Nathan’s eyes darkened. "Evelyn Vanderbilt, stay out of matters between Vivian and me. Whatever game you’re playing, don’t overestimate your cleverness."

"Let me make this clear, Nathan," Evelyn snapped, wrenching her hand free. "I never told Vivian to invite you. I don’t know what lies she’s feeding you, but they have nothing to do with me."

She squared her shoulders, her tone sharp. "Frankly, I couldn’t care less about your relationship. So go tell your girlfriend to stop dragging me into her drama. I’m not her convenient scapegoat!"

Fury burned through her, stripping away any pretense of politeness. She turned to leave, but Nathan suddenly seized her arm and shoved her into his car.

"Mr. Goldmann, what the hell? Let me go!" Evelyn slammed her palms against the locked door, glaring at him as he slid into the driver’s seat. "If you don’t release me right now, I’m calling the police!"

"Do what you want." Nathan ignored her threat and sped off.

From the shadows of the Vanderbilt manor, Vivian clenched her fists, her eyes burning with resentment as she watched the car disappear.

The car screeched to a halt in the middle of nowhere. Nathan cut the engine, leaving only the chirping of crickets and the distant crash of waves.

Evelyn shot him a venomous look. "What now? Planning to dump my body here?"

"Get out," he ordered coldly.

She scoffed, peering into the pitch-black wilderness. "You’re seriously leaving me here?"

His jaw tightened. "Do I need to repeat myself?"

With a muttered curse, Evelyn shoved the door open and stepped out. The moment her feet touched the ground, Nathan sped away, leaving her stranded.

Watching the taillights vanish, she gritted her teeth. "You absolute bastard."

The night swallowed her whole. No streetlights, no signs of civilization—just an endless stretch of road and the eerie rustling of trees. She fumbled for her phone, but the screen displayed the dreaded "No Service" warning.

Great. Am I really spending the night in the middle of nowhere?

Nathan drove for miles before pulling over, gripping the steering wheel until his knuckles turned white.

What the hell is wrong with me?

He’d never lost control like this before. The thought that Evelyn had manipulated Vivian into inviting him had infuriated him beyond reason.

But what if she’s telling the truth? What if Vivian lied?

His mind churned with conflicting thoughts.

She’s alone out there. Probably terrified.

With a frustrated growl, he spun the car around and headed back.

When he returned, he found Evelyn sitting on the curb, her back to him, facing the ocean. Moonlight draped over her like liquid silver, highlighting the elegant curve of her neck as she gathered her curls into a loose ponytail.

The sight stirred something primal in him—an urge to unravel the mystery she embodied.

Evelyn turned, startled, then smirked. "Oh? The mighty Nathan Goldmann actually has a conscience?"

He scowled, ignoring the heat creeping up his neck. "Get in the car."

She arched a brow. "Front seat or back?"

"I’m not your chauffeur."

Rolling her eyes, Evelyn slid into the passenger seat. "You’re a walking contradiction, Mr. Goldmann."

Nathan ignored her jab, focusing on the road.

Silence stretched between them until Evelyn’s phone rang. She glanced at the screen—Liam.

Shit. It’s past nine. They must be worried.

Her voice softened instantly. "Hey, sweetheart."

Nathan’s grip on the wheel tightened. Sweetheart?

"Sorry, something came up. I’ll be home soon. Love you." She ended the call with a kissy noise.

Nathan’s tone dripped with disdain. "Boyfriend?"

Evelyn grinned. "Something like that."

Two little "someones," actually.

Nathan said nothing, but irritation coiled in his chest.

He dropped her off downtown without another word, leaving Evelyn bewildered by his erratic behavior.

By the time she got home, it was past ten. Liam stood by the door, arms crossed.

"Mommy, were you with that man again?"

Evelyn laughed. "How’d you guess?"

Liam sighed like a weary adult. "You only call us ‘sweetheart’ when you’re dealing with a jerk."

Smart kid.

She ruffled his hair. "Where are Caleb and Daisy?"

"Asleep."

"Thank you for looking after them."

Liam shrugged. "I’m the oldest. It’s my job."

The next day at Viana Jewelry, Evelyn stepped into the elevator—only for Vivian to yank her aside.

"Looking for a fight?" Evelyn smirked.

Vivian’s eyes burned with fury. "You scheming little—what did you do with Nathan last night?"

Evelyn tilted her head. "Oh? Did he not come home?"

Vivian’s nails dug into her palms. "Stay away from him, or you’ll regret it."

Evelyn leaned in, her smile sharp. "Or what? You’ll cry to Daddy again?"

Vivian’s face twisted with rage. This bitch will pay.