Chapter 2

At the bustling airport of Cornelia's royal capital...

A striking woman emerged from the crowd, effortlessly commanding attention. But it wasn't just her poised elegance that turned heads—it was the three breathtaking children by her side.

Evelyn Vanderbilt carried her youngest, Daisy, whose golden curls bounced with each step, making her resemble a porcelain doll. Behind them, her twin boys, Caleb and Liam, mirrored each other with their striking amber eyes and flawless complexions.

A woman leaning against a sleek Mercedes gasped as she removed her sunglasses. "Holy hell, Zoe! You had three in one go?" Sophia Hill's jaw dropped. Triplets were rare enough, but these children looked like they'd stepped out of a Renaissance painting. She couldn't help but wonder—what divine being had Evelyn seduced to produce such ethereal offspring?

Evelyn set Daisy down and ruffled their hair. "Meet your godmother, Sophia."

Sophia had been Evelyn's lifeline after the Vanderbilts exiled her. When Evelyn discovered her pregnancy abroad, it was Sophia who convinced her to keep the babies. The rebellious heiress had even pawned a $6 million antique to fund their new life.

"Nice to meet you, Godmother!" The trio chirped in unison, though their bows were hilariously uncoordinated.

Sophia clutched her chest dramatically. "You little heartbreakers!"

Caleb nudged Liam. "Godmother's kinda weird, huh?"

Evelyn flicked both their foreheads. "What was that?"

Daisy, ever the traitor, piped up: "They said Godmother looks silly!"

Sophia burst out laughing as she drove them toward the city. Through the rearview mirror, she watched the children doze off in a puppy pile. "Seriously, Zoe—why come back now?"

Evelyn twirled a lock of hair around her finger. "Viana Jewelry offered me $7 million to design for them."

Sophia nearly swerved. "Your family's company? With Vivian running it?" She snorted. "When that witch finds out you're Zara—the designer who crafted Stoslo's royal crown—she'll have a meltdown."

Zara's fusion of Victorian craftsmanship with modern aesthetics had revolutionized jewelry. Luxe had offered $90 million for her talents—yet Evelyn had countered with $150 million.

"And the Vanderbilts actually paid?" Sophia whistled.

Evelyn's smile turned razor-sharp. "Every penny. Now I'm taking back what's mine."

As they pulled up to Viana's headquarters, Evelyn kissed her children goodbye. The moment she left, the "angelic" trio pounced on Sophia.

"Tell us everything about Mommy and the Vanderbilts!" Liam demanded.

"We need to know who hurt her," Caleb added solemnly.

Daisy nodded fiercely. "So we can make them super sorry."

Sophia shuddered. These weren't kids—they were tiny avengers.

Inside Viana, Evelyn approached the receptionist. "I'm here to see Vivian Vanderbilt."

The woman barely glanced up. "Appointment?"

"No. She contacted me."

The receptionist scoffed. "Director Vanderbilt doesn't see randoms."

Evelyn arched a brow. "Is rudeness part of Viana's training now?"

A shrill laugh cut through the lobby. "Well, well. The exiled princess returns."

Vivian sauntered over, her designer heels clicking like knives. Six years had transformed Evelyn from a timid girl into a woman who radiated quiet danger.

"You invited me, remember?" Evelyn's voice was honey-laced poison.

Vivian's smirk faltered. "To grovel, maybe. Not to insult my company's reputation."

"Reputation?" Evelyn chuckled. "Funny. Under you, Viana's profits dropped 40% last quarter."

Vivian's hand flew out—

CRACK.

The slap echoed through the marble hall.

A deep voice froze everyone mid-breath. "Problem here?"

Nathan Goldmann emerged from the elevator, his icy gaze sweeping the scene.

Vivian instantly transformed into a wounded dove. "Nathan, she cursed Viana to ruin!"

Evelyn touched her stinging cheek, her eyes glinting with something far more dangerous than tears.

The game had just begun.