Chapter 192

Nathan Goldmann stood outside the hospital room, running a hand through his tousled hair in frustration. His young wife Evelyn had just kicked him out in the most humiliating fashion.

"I was only trying to help her change clothes," he muttered under his breath. "Did she really think I'd take advantage of her in that state?"

"Mr. Goldmann." Richard Vanderbilt's voice interrupted his thoughts as the older man approached.

Nathan immediately straightened his suit jacket, his expression shifting to its usual cool detachment. "Mr. Vanderbilt."

"How is Zoe doing now?"

"She's perfectly fine - alive and kicking," Nathan replied dryly. After a brief pause, he added, "You may go in."

Inside the private ward, Evelyn had just finished changing when Richard entered, placing a thermos on the bedside table. "The housekeeper prepared some nourishing broth for you. It'll help restore your strength."

"Thank you, I'll have it later," Evelyn accepted with a small smile.

Richard settled into the chair beside her bed, his face lined with guilt. "Zoe, I owe you an apology. This is all my fault. I never imagined Laura would go this far."

Evelyn's breath caught in her throat.

'Laura? So my abduction and that ecstasy injection were all her doing?'

Her amber eyes darkened with barely contained fury.

'That woman nearly turned me into an addict. She'll pay for this.'

"I actually filed for divorce earlier today," Richard continued, his voice heavy. "But then... we discovered she's pregnant."

Evelyn's eyebrows shot up in genuine surprise. "Pregnant?"

'That was fast.'

"Yes," Richard sighed. "I'm completely useless, aren't I? But don't worry - I'm only letting her stay at the Vanderbilt estate for the baby's sake. The divorce will proceed after she gives birth."

Richard couldn't bring himself to punish an innocent child. Laura could give birth and then disappear from their lives forever - the baby would remain a Vanderbilt.

Evelyn remained silent, her mind racing.

'Whether Father divorces Laura or not makes no difference to me. That woman got pregnant right when the divorce papers were filed?'

'The timing is suspicious. Almost... calculated.'

'And that man who knocked me out... I swear I've seen his face somewhere before.'

Meanwhile, Lucas Laurent sat waiting at an upscale café when Vivian Vanderbilt appeared through the crowd minutes later.

Vivian couldn't hide her surprise at Lucas's unexpected summons. She smoothed her dress as she took the seat across from him. "Lucas, to what do I owe this pleasure?"

"My mother intends to publicly acknowledge you as a de Armas at the Laurent family banquet this weekend." Lucas's casual announcement made Vivian's smile freeze.

"W-what?"

"Is there a problem?" Lucas steepled his fingers, studying her reaction with sharp eyes. "As the long-lost daughter of Miranda de Arma, shouldn't you be pleased?"

Vivian's hands trembled beneath the table as she avoided his gaze. "Isn't this rather sudden? Honestly, I don't mind keeping my identity private..."

"Unacceptable." Lucas leaned back, his gaze drifting to the window. "My grandfather is overjoyed to be reunited with his granddaughter. This banquet is being held specifically in your honor."

A flicker of panic crossed Vivian's eyes.

'I never expected them to make this official. If they do...'

"What are you afraid of?" Lucas's voice turned icy. "Is the de Armas name somehow... shameful?"

"Of course not!" Vivian forced a laugh. "I just need time to prepare—"

"For what?" Lucas's patience visibly wore thin. "We're simply acknowledging the truth." He drained his espresso and stood abruptly. "See you at the banquet."

As Lucas strode away, Vivian sat frozen, her blouse clinging to her sweat-drenched back, her fingers shaking uncontrollably against the tablecloth.