Chapter 210

The tension in the dining room was palpable.

Madam Victoria's fingers tightened around her fork as she watched Richard abruptly push his chair back, the silverware clattering against the fine china.

What is he doing?

She had never seen him like this—cold, controlled fury simmering beneath his composed exterior.

"You should know the relationship between Mr. Goldmann and Zoe," Richard said, his voice dangerously low. "Don’t think I’m unaware of your schemes. If you dare confront her, you can return to the ancestral mansion immediately."

Madam Victoria’s lips parted in shock.

How dare he speak to me like this?

She had endured his coldness for years, but this—this was outright defiance.

"You would threaten your own mother?" she hissed.

Richard’s gaze didn’t waver. "I’m glad you still remember I’m your son." He exhaled sharply, his tone turning bitter. "Zoe is your granddaughter, yet you’ve never cared for her. But a grandson? That’s all you’ve ever wanted. If not for your obsession with an heir, I would’ve divorced Laura years ago. I wouldn’t have been humiliated by her fake pregnancy."

Madam Victoria froze.

Fake pregnancy?

She had wondered why Laura had been absent all day, assuming she was at the hospital for routine checkups.

But this—this was deception.

Richard stood, tossing his napkin onto the table. "There is no grandson for you. Are you satisfied now?"

Without another word, he strode out, leaving her seething.

Madam Victoria’s hands trembled with rage.

Laura Scott… How dare she lie to me?

She had pinned all her hopes on Laura, but now—now she had no choice but to turn to her eldest daughter-in-law.

The next afternoon, Evelyn adjusted the emerald tassel pendant around Mrs. Hawthorne’s neck, the gemstones catching the light beautifully.

"What do you think?" Evelyn asked, stepping back to admire her work.

Mrs. Hawthorne beamed, turning in front of the mirror. "It’s exquisite! No one in my circle has anything like this. It’s unique—elegant yet modern."

Evelyn smiled. "I’m glad you’re pleased."

She carefully removed the necklace, placing it in a velvet-lined gift box before handing it over.

As Mrs. Hawthorne left, chattering excitedly, Evelyn’s phone buzzed.

A message from Madam Victoria.

An invitation to dinner with her aunt.

Evelyn’s lips curved into a knowing smirk.

Nothing is ever that simple with her.

She handed her tasks to Gregory. "I need to step out."

Gregory frowned. "Again? What does Madam Victoria want this time?"

Evelyn shrugged. "Who knows? But since everyone from the ancestral mansion suddenly wants to see me, I should find out."

Gregory’s expression darkened.

If the Vanderbilts are seeking her out… It must be about Viana Jewelry’s inheritance.

Evelyn grabbed her coat, her mind already racing.

Let’s see what game they’re playing now.