Chapter 183

"Could this be something Mother left behind?"

Evelyn returned to the Vanderbilt estate, hoping to discuss a solution with her mother.

But the moment she stepped inside, she froze.

Richard sat on the sofa, his expression dark as thunder.

And to her shock, Laura was kneeling beside him, her face streaked with tears.

"Father... What happened to Mother—?"

"You dare ask me that?" Richard slammed his fist on the table, standing abruptly. "You two have no shame! How could you steal the bracelet that belonged to Zoe’s mother?"

If Nathan hadn’t called him, revealing that Vivian had been impersonating Miranda’s daughter in public, he might never have discovered the missing bracelet.

His own daughter—how could she sink so low?

Madam Victoria, witnessing her son’s fury for the first time, stayed silent, too afraid to intervene.

Vivian’s face paled. Her fingers instinctively tightened around her sleeve. "Father... I don’t know what you’re talking about."

"You still deny it?" Richard’s jaw clenched. "Tell me now—who is your real mother? Miranda de Arma or Laura Scott?"

Laura, still on her knees, clutched at Richard’s leg, sobbing. "Darling, it’s my fault! Punish me, but please spare Vivian!"

"Get away from me!" Richard shoved her aside, his finger trembling with rage. "Your own daughter won’t even acknowledge you as her mother, and she dares to spew such lies. Don’t tell me you had no part in this!"

Laura’s breath hitched. She hadn’t expected Richard to uncover the truth so quickly.

"It’s over."

Richard’s voice was icy. "Return the bracelet. Or do you really want me to disown you?"

"Father, why are you doing this to me?" Vivian screamed, her voice breaking. "I’ve done nothing wrong! I only took a bracelet—why should I give it back? Evelyn stole Nathan from me! Why can’t I take her identity?"

Richard grabbed a glass from the table and hurled it at her.

It struck her cheek, leaving an angry red mark.

Vivian clutched her face, stunned. "You—you hit me?"

"Give. It. Back." Richard’s eyes burned with fury.

With a furious cry, Vivian ripped the bracelet off and flung it to the ground. It shattered instantly.

"I hate you!" She turned and ran, disappearing into the night.

Laura scrambled after her. "Vivian!"

Richard knelt, gathering the broken pieces with trembling hands. This was meant for Evelyn—how had it come to this?

He couldn’t even protect a simple bracelet.

Madam Victoria scoffed. "It’s just a bracelet. Must you make such a scene?"

"Mother," Richard said coldly, "if you interfere again, you’ll be sent back to the family estate."

Madam Victoria gaped.

Without another word, Richard stormed upstairs, the shattered bracelet clutched in his palm.

Madam Victoria seethed but didn’t dare argue further.

My son... he’s turned against me.

The night was thick with tension.

Inside a car parked near the park, the windows fogged from heated breaths.

Laura lay in a man’s arms, her cheeks flushed.

She pushed him away as he leaned in to mark her neck. "Stop it, you beast! If that old fool sees this, I’m dead!"

Laughing, she slowly dressed.

The man lit a cigarette, rolling down the window. Smoke curled into the night air. "Seems life’s treated you well since marrying Richard Vanderbilt. I thought you’d forgotten all your old... clients."

Laura’s smile vanished at the word clients. But she forced a smirk, hiding the disgust in her eyes.