Chapter 216
"No, Mrs. Zimmerman."
"You don't think my son is worthy of you?" Mrs. Zimmerman's piercing gaze locked onto Yvette, whose face showed utter devastation.
"Indeed, Lydia is fortunate to marry into the Zimmerman family. Pity I wasn't so lucky." Evelyn struggled to suppress her laughter, though her sparkling eyes gave her away.
Madam Victoria nearly collapsed, her carefully laid plans crumbling before her eyes. Not only had her schemes failed, but Lydia had lost her virtue in the process.
Yvette felt the same bitter disappointment. She had dreamed of Lydia marrying into Bassburgh's elite, yet now her daughter had been compromised by Jacob Zimmerman.
All because of Evelyn.
Yvette's eyes burned with hatred as she glared at the young woman.
Evelyn noticed the venomous look, but she was accustomed to such animosity. This was simply poetic justice - they were reaping what they'd sown!
The boardroom fell silent as Oliver opened the heavy doors. Nathan, seated at the head of the table, immediately sensed something amiss.
Oliver nodded to the executives before approaching Nathan with urgent news.
Nathan's expression darkened. "Why am I only hearing about this now?"
"The meeting ran longer than anticipated-" Oliver explained helplessly. Gregory had been insistent, and Ms. Vanderbilt hadn't returned for quite some time.
Oliver knew exactly how important Evelyn was to Nathan - how his world would shatter if anything happened to her.
Nathan closed his folder decisively. "We're adjourned."
Loosening his tie, he strode out with Oliver, his face stormy. The confused executives exchanged bewildered glances, left without explanation.
Nathan ordered Oliver to track Evelyn's location and rushed to the hotel, only to find her exiting calmly.
Oliver blinked in surprise. Everything appeared normal.
Had Gregory overreacted?
From the backseat, Nathan watched Evelyn's unhurried steps and felt his tension ease. He'd worried unnecessarily - this woman never let anyone walk over her.
Just as he prepared to exit the car, a man approached Evelyn, speaking animatedly.
When the stranger reached for Evelyn's arm, the temperature in the car seemed to drop several degrees.
Evelyn hadn't expected Jacob to be so persistent. With a practiced smile, she removed his hand. "Mr. Zimmerman, please maintain some decorum. Lydia would make a far more suitable Zimmerman daughter-in-law, don't you think?"
"That clumsy girl? Never. Zoe, from the moment I saw you, I knew-"
Jacob wasn't about to let this beauty slip away. If not for Lydia's interference, she would already be his.
Love at first sight? Love?
Evelyn's eyes danced with silent laughter. The man was clearly only interested in her appearance.
"Why chase after a woman with children?" Evelyn said with dwindling patience, turning to leave.
Jacob grabbed her arm again. "I don't care about that! Zoe, I truly-"
Suddenly, a strong arm wrapped around Evelyn's waist, pulling her against a firm chest. The faint scent of expensive cologne surrounded her as she collided with the familiar warmth, leaving her momentarily breathless.