Chapter 232
Madam Victoria listened to Yvette's words. Her heart had always favored her only grandson above all else, but her son Richard insisted on handing Viana Jewelry to Evelyn now. How could she remain calm?
She scoffed. "If we can't change his mind, we'll take it by force!"
The next day, Madam Victoria marched into the law firm and demanded the transfer contract as Richard's mother. Mr. Zachary handed her the draft without hesitation.
Once she left, Mr. Zachary immediately called Evelyn.
"Ms. Vanderbilt, a woman claiming to be Mr. Vanderbilt's mother just collected the contract. I gave it to her as instructed," he reported.
Evelyn had already briefed him—if anyone asked for the documents, he was to provide only the unsigned draft.
After all, an invalid contract was nothing but worthless paper. The real agreement remained securely locked away, accessible only with proper authorization.
A cold smile curled Evelyn's lips. "Thank you for your cooperation. Don’t forget to bring your best performance the day after tomorrow. I’m counting on you to deliver the most dramatic live show they’ve ever seen."
As she hung up, her eyes darkened with resolve.
This time, Father will finally see his so-called family for what they truly are.
Two days later, at Viana Jewelry…
The Vanderbilts had gathered, including Yvette’s family, in the conference room. Key executives filled the seats as Richard prepared to announce the heir to his shares.
When Richard declared Evelyn would inherit his stake, not a single board member objected.
Madam Victoria, seated as an honored guest, slammed her palm on the table. "I disagree!"
"Mother," Richard said wearily, "everyone here accepts Zoe because she’s proven her capability. What more do you want?"
He’d arranged this meeting hoping his family would finally relent.
Madam Victoria rose, her voice sharp. "Viana belongs to the Vanderbilts! And you’re handing it to a woman who’ll marry into another family and abandon us? Are you trying to give our legacy away to strangers?"
Her words drew uneasy glances among the executives—particularly those with daughters.
‘A woman who’ll abandon her family? How archaic.’
Richard clenched his jaw, disappointment bitter in his throat. His mother’s prejudice knew no bounds.
Yvette smiled placatingly. "Richard, it would be a shame to let such a valuable company slip away. Zoe will marry eventually, and she doesn’t even need it. Surely you should—"
"Even if my daughter doesn’t need it," Richard cut in coldly, "I won’t hand it to you for free."
Yvette flushed, shooting a glare at her husband, York.
York chuckled. "Richard, don’t mind Yvette. She’s never been the most... thoughtful person."
Yvette’s face twisted with fury at the insult.
Unlike his wife and mother’s agitation, York remained eerily calm.
They’re too shortsighted to see the bigger picture.
Evelyn is with Nathan Goldmann now. Crossing Richard would be suicidal.
Mother and Yvette’s greed is nothing but feminine folly.
Madam Victoria cared only for securing the shares for her grandson—by any means necessary.
Just then, a man in a tailored suit entered, introducing himself as a lawyer.
Madam Victoria lifted her chin triumphantly. "Richard, don’t blame me. Everything I do is for the Vanderbilt name."