Chapter 213

"A woman who's been with other men wants to bring her illegitimate children into the Zimmerman estate? Absolutely not."

Mrs. Zimmerman's lips tightened into a disapproving line, though she reluctantly accepted the reality of Evelyn's situation when she saw her son's determined expression.

"Once she's part of our family, she'll still need to serve me properly."

Evelyn arched an eyebrow. "Would you have me abandon my own flesh and blood?"

"Zoe!" Madam Victoria's voice turned shrill. "The Zimmermans won't accept those children, yet you insist on bringing them into Jacob's household? Have you lost your mind?"

'This little slut is trying to sabotage the marriage arrangement. Over my dead body!'

Madam Victoria shot a meaningful glance at Yvette, who immediately understood the unspoken command.

'What's done cannot be undone. We'll make sure this marriage happens today, by force if necessary.'

The Vanderbilt women's synchronized manipulation could have won them theater awards. Across the table, Jacob kept stealing glances at Evelyn, his desire growing with each passing moment until he could barely contain himself.

Evelyn ignored his lecherous stares, gracefully sampling the dishes before her with practiced caution. She hadn't touched a single drink offered by others.

Madam Victoria's fingers drummed impatiently against the tablecloth.

'How are we supposed to drug her if she won't drink anything?'

Fortunately, Yvette had anticipated this. Every sealed beverage placed before Evelyn contained nearly invisible needle punctures - a precaution reserved solely for her place setting.

They'd expected this cunning vixen would refuse anything poured by others.

After sipping half her drink, Evelyn noticed the conspiratorial glances exchanged between Yvette and Madam Victoria. A cold smile curved her lips as she set the bottle aside and reached for more food.

"Zoe, you're barely eating," Madam Victoria simpered, piling more food onto Evelyn's plate. "A growing girl needs her strength."

Suddenly, Evelyn pressed a hand to her forehead, swaying slightly before collapsing onto the table.

"Zoe? Zoe!" Madam Victoria shook her roughly.

Mrs. Zimmerman frowned. "What's wrong with her?"

Yvette smoothly interjected, "She's feeling unwell. Lydia, help your cousin to the guest room."

Lydia rose with a saccharine smile. "Of course."

As she supported Evelyn's limp form, Lydia couldn't suppress her triumphant smirk. Everything was going according to plan.

"Why would she suddenly fall ill?" Mrs. Zimmerman's displeasure was evident.

Jacob immediately intervened. "Mother, please. She'll be my wife soon. Don't you want me to marry?"

"Fine, fine. Have it your way." Mrs. Zimmerman relented, though her lips remained pursed. Her son's happiness was paramount, even if it meant tolerating this... situation.

Yvette turned to Jacob. "You should check on them. Lydia might not be... thorough enough in her care."

Jacob needed no further encouragement. His barely restrained excitement made him abandon all pretense of finishing his meal. "I'll go at once."

Lydia guided Evelyn into the prearranged room, barely containing her glee as she deposited the unconscious woman onto the bed.

"After Jacob has his way with you," she sneered, "no man of quality would want spoiled goods. Certainly not Mr. Goldmann."

'A tainted woman could never compare to my purity!'

Though Jacob came from Coralia's prestigious Zimmerman family, his reputation was anything but respectable. Known equally for his gambling debts and wandering hands, no respectable Coralian woman would have him - which made Evelyn Vanderbilt the perfect target.