Chapter 212

"Indeed, Zoe, the Zimmermans hold considerable prestige in Cornelia. You'd have nothing to worry about if you married into their family." Yvette and Madam Victoria spoke in perfect unison, their eagerness to wed Evelyn to the Zimmermans practically vibrating through the lavish dining room.

Evelyn let out a dry laugh. "I already have children. Are the Zimmermans so desperate that they'd accept a ready-made family with their chosen daughter-in-law?"

Yvette and Mrs. Zimmerman's faces darkened instantly. Madam Victoria recovered first. "Zoe, what nonsense is this? Since when do you have children?"

"Whether I have children or not, you can confirm with Father." Evelyn crossed her arms, leaning back with deliberate nonchalance. "Their father happens to be Mr. Goldmann. So tell me, no matter how influential the Zimmermans are in Cornelia, how could they possibly compare to Nathan Goldmann?"

Mrs. Zimmerman's expression turned mortified. She glared at Yvette. "Were you lying to my son and me?"

"Mrs. Zimmerman, please don't misunderstand." Yvette forced a placating smile before turning to Evelyn. "Zoe, stop these ridiculous claims. If you'd truly given birth, the Vanderbilts would know. Don't make up stories."

'Mother did mention Evelyn's involvement with the legendary Nathan Goldmann of Bassburgh,' Yvette thought, 'but Lydia also has her sights set on him. If I don't help her secure Goldmann, how will my daughter ever stand a chance?'

'So whether these children exist or not, I'll make sure this marriage happens regardless.'

Her gaze flickered to Jacob Zimmerman, who hadn't stopped staring at Evelyn since she entered.

'That lecherous fool is practically drooling over her. Perfect.'

"If this is a blind date," Evelyn said, rising gracefully, "then I'm wasting my time. None of you have any right to decide my marital future."

Lydia jumped up to stop her. "Evelyn, don't be upset. At least stay for dinner."

"Yes, Zoe," Yvette added hastily, "we'll discuss this later. The appetizers are coming. Leaving now would embarrass us all terribly." She couldn't let this golden opportunity slip away - she needed to trap Evelyn into this marriage today.

Their desperation was almost comical.

'They want to shackle me to this stranger so badly?' Evelyn thought bitterly. 'Is this what they call family?'

'To them, kinship is just another transaction.'

Resuming her seat with a practiced smile, Evelyn said, "You're right. It would be terribly rude to leave now."

"Exactly, Zoe!" Madam Victoria beamed. "You've always been the most sensible Vanderbilt."

'Not that it will help her escape today,' the old woman thought smugly.

As courses were served, Yvette turned to Jacob. "So Jacob, what do you think of our Zoe?"

"Magnificent... absolutely magnificent." Jacob's hungry gaze never left Evelyn. "I've never encountered a woman of such caliber in Cornelia. None of my previous companions could compare."

Evelyn arched an eyebrow. "Mr. Zimmerman has... interesting taste. Do illegitimate children make a woman more appealing to you?"

Mrs. Zimmerman stiffened, but her son barely registered the comment. "It doesn't matter," Jacob declared. "We live in modern times - even divorced women remarry. Why should I care about children? I'll treat you like royalty if you'll have me."

"Oh? Really?" Evelyn's lips curved dangerously.

Jacob, utterly enchanted, nodded eagerly. "Absolutely!"

Seeing her son's intoxicated state, Mrs. Zimmerman interjected sharply. "Any children would remain with their father. The Zimmermans won't be raising another man's offspring - imagine the scandal!"