Chapter 220

The tension in the study was palpable.

"Mom, Viana Jewelry was founded by Zoe's mother. I can't just hand it over to my nephew," Richard said firmly, his voice edged with frustration.

Madam Victoria's face twisted with anger. "Why not? Isabella has been gone for years. The company is yours now. Why should you care about the wishes of someone who's no longer here?"

She scoffed, her tone dripping with disdain. "Besides, Isabella was never kind to you when she was alive. Look how she treated you. What's stopping you?"

Evelyn stood frozen outside the study, her heart pounding as she overheard the cruel words about her mother. Without hesitation, she pushed the door open, her expression dark.

"What did you just say?"

Richard stiffened. Had she heard everything?

Madam Victoria's eyes widened in shock. "What are you doing here?"

Evelyn crossed her arms, her gaze sharp. "I just got Uncle York released. I came to congratulate you, but instead, I heard you insulting my mother."

She tilted her head, a cold smile playing on her lips. "Maybe I shouldn’t have bothered."

"He's your uncle!" Madam Victoria snapped.

Evelyn didn’t flinch. "I know. But beyond that, I don’t owe the Vanderbilts anything."

She stepped closer, her voice steady. "I helped Uncle York for my father’s sake, not for anyone from Cornelia."

Madam Victoria’s face turned ashen. "Zoe, I’m your grandmother. You should show some respect."

Evelyn laughed humorlessly. "Respect? After what you and Aunt Yvette tried to pull—forcing me to marry Jacob? You lost any right to my respect."

Richard’s expression darkened. "What?"

He knew Jacob Zimmerman’s reputation was abysmal. The thought that his own mother and sister-in-law would try to trap Evelyn into such a marriage made his blood boil.

Madam Victoria paled, caught off guard. "That’s nonsense! Lydia is the one marrying Mr. Zimmerman. Are you still not satisfied?"

"Enough!" Richard’s voice cut through the room like a blade. "You’re my mother, and I’ve always respected you. But if you truly did that to Evelyn, you’ve crossed a line."

His jaw tightened. "Whatever happens to the Vanderbilts is your concern, but I will never give Viana Jewelry to Henry."

Madam Victoria’s eyes flashed with fury. "Fine! If you’re going to defy me like this, then I’m leaving!"

She stormed out, slamming the door behind her.

The silence that followed was heavy.

Evelyn watched her father’s face, his sorrow evident. She softened slightly. "Dad, I won’t let you give Viana to Henry."

She knew Madam Victoria saw the company as a lifeline for the Vanderbilts—ripe for the taking.

But her father wasn’t blind to her schemes.

Richard exhaled slowly. "I know. I wouldn’t give it to your cousin either. Don’t worry."

Evelyn nodded, a flicker of relief in her eyes. "I trust you."

Richard’s heart clenched at her words. He hadn’t expected her faith, and now, he was determined to prove himself worthy of it.

Viana Jewelry would remain safe—until Zoe was ready to take the reins.

At Soul Jewelry Studio...