Chapter 236

Evelyn shot him a sideways glance. His gentle demeanor had always struck a chord with her.

The waiter swung open the doors to reveal an opulent golden private dining room. A massive round table set for fifteen dominated the space.

Caleb, Liam, and Daisy were perched beside Mr. Goldmann Sr. But it was the silver-haired man at the head of the table who caught Evelyn's attention.

'Is that Nathan's grandfather? His mixed-race features are so pronounced compared to Mr. Goldmann Sr.'s appearance.'

Her gaze then landed on the elegant woman seated nearby.

"Mommy! Daddy! Over here!" Daisy waved enthusiastically, her tiny hand cutting through the air.

Nathan's arm slid around Evelyn's waist as he guided her to their seats. The warmth of his touch sent an unexpected shiver down her spine.

Mr. Goldmann Sr. beamed at Theodore. "Father, this is Evelyn Vanderbilt - the children's mother."

Evelyn inclined her head respectfully. "It's an honor to meet you, Mr. Goldmann."

The elder Goldmann waved dismissively. "No need for formalities. This is just family gathering."

As Evelyn settled into her chair, she locked eyes with the woman across the table. The icy glint in those eyes starkly contrasted with the polite smile curving her lips.

Rosalind's gaze then shifted to Nathan. "Nathan, I never imagined you'd settle down."

"They're not officially married yet," Mr. Goldmann Sr. interjected, then turned to the couple. "Speaking of which, when are you two making it official?"

"Yeah Daddy!" Caleb piped up, his wide eyes shimmering with hope. "When will you marry Mommy?"

Nathan's lips quirked as he glanced at Evelyn. "Whenever your mother decides to say yes."

Evelyn's fingers found his thigh beneath the table, delivering a sharp pinch. Nathan caught her wrist effortlessly, his grip firm yet gentle.

'This woman turns feral at the mere mention of marriage,' he mused silently. 'After everything we've shared - three beautiful children - how could she possibly refuse?'

Rosalind observed their silent exchange with barely concealed surprise. 'Nathan's never behaved this way with any woman before...'

Theodore's booming voice broke the tension. "Enough chatter! I'm starving enough to eat a horse. Let's get the food served!"

The children, still unaccustomed to their great-grandfather's stern demeanor, instinctively leaned closer to Mr. Goldmann Sr.

Throughout the meal, Rosalind's attention kept drifting back to Evelyn. "What do you do professionally, Ms. Vanderbilt?"

Evelyn met her gaze evenly. "I design jewelry."

"Our mommy is Zara - the famous jewelry designer!" Daisy announced proudly between bites, her grandfather carefully feeding her. The little girl's stare lingered on Rosalind, as if issuing a silent challenge.

'This woman keeps eyeing Daddy like he's dessert. She's definitely trouble.'

Rosalind blinked, taken aback by the child's perceptiveness. 'Did this tiny creature just stake her mother's claim?'

"Zoe," Mr. Goldmann Sr. interjected smoothly, "this is Rosalind Summers. She grew up with Nathan and the Lawson siblings before accompanying Theodore abroad. They were quite the playmates in their youth."

He'd always held Rosalind in high regard. Had Evelyn not borne his grandchildren, she might have been his first choice for a daughter-in-law.

Yet as he'd come to know Evelyn, he realized she possessed something Rosalind lacked - the unique ability to keep his formidable son in check.