Chapter 21

The sleek black car glided through the countryside roads, its tinted windows reflecting the golden afternoon light. Nathan Goldmann stared blankly at the passing scenery, his mind still replaying Evelyn's words from earlier.

His fingers tapped restlessly against the leather seat as he became lost in thought.

"Sir?" Oliver Lawson's voice cut through the silence, more insistent this time.

Nathan blinked, snapping back to reality. He rubbed his temples. "Yes?"

Oliver extended the phone toward him. "Your father is on the line."

Taking the device, Nathan pressed it to his ear. "Father."

At the sprawling Goldmann estate...

"You reckless boy! Did you get some poor girl pregnant?" The elder Goldmann's voice boomed through the receiver as he sipped his aged whiskey.

His tablet displayed two children's photos - their features bearing an unmistakable resemblance to his son.

Nathan's grip tightened on the phone. "That's impossible."

"Then explain why Royal Crown Entertainment just signed these two carbon copies of you?" The old man's glass thudded against the marble table. "I'm having them brought here immediately."

"Father, I haven't been with any woman who—" Nathan's protest was cut short by the dial tone.

He exhaled sharply. "Change course. We're going to the estate."

Meanwhile, in another vehicle winding through the countryside...

Daisy Vanderbilt pressed her nose against the window, her breath fogging up the glass. "Wow! Look at all those trees!" Her small hands gestured excitedly at the passing landscape.

Liam studied the stern-faced bodyguard beside him before asking, "Where exactly are we going?"

The elderly driver chuckled, his kind eyes crinkling in the rearview mirror. "To meet someone very important. You'll see soon enough."

"But why does he live so far away?" Daisy tilted her head, her pigtails bouncing.

"This isn't just any house, little miss," the driver explained. "The Goldmann estate is more like a private kingdom."

As they crested a hill, a picturesque village came into view - its cobblestone streets lined with charming cottages. Daisy's mouth fell open at the sight.

The car continued past the village, ascending a private road lined with ancient oaks. When the mansion finally came into view, both children gasped.

The estate sprawled across manicured grounds, its ivy-covered stone walls framing a breathtaking chateau. A grand fountain danced in the circular driveway, its crystal-clear water catching the sunlight.

The driver helped them out, leading them along a path flanked by blooming gardens. They crossed an arched stone bridge over a tranquil pond, its surface dotted with lily pads.

At the bridge's end stood an elegant white pavilion where an older gentleman waited.

"Sir," the driver announced, "I've brought the children."

Nathan's father turned, his sharp eyes softening as they fell upon the young visitors. He extended his hands warmly. "Come here, my dears."

Liam and Daisy exchanged glances before approaching cautiously.

The old man studied Liam's face intently before smiling. "And what might your name be, young man?"

"Liam Vanderbilt, sir," the boy answered politely.

The elder Goldmann nodded before turning to Daisy. "And you, little one?"

"I'm Daisy!" she chirped, her bright eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Chuckling, the man gestured to the plush chairs beside him. "Sit with me, children. We have much to discuss."