Chapter 237

Evelyn's lips curved into a faint smile, but she remained silent.

Theodore set down his wine ss with deliberate slowness. His expression hardened as he began his interrogation. "Does this fragile-looking young woman truly possess the qualities required to become the future matriarch of the Goldmann family?"

His words instantly charged the air with tension. In Theodore's eyes, the Goldmann heir's wife couldn't be some delicate flower. She needed formidable capabilities and the presence to command respect.

Yet the slender figure seated before him seemed too soft, too vulnerable. It was only natural for him to doubt her suitability.

Rosalind averted her gaze, amusement flickering across her features. She knew Theodore's exacting standards for his grandson's bride. The woman had to be politically astute, familiar with every aspect of the Goldmann empire's operations - both public and private.

'After all,' Rosalind thought, 'the Goldmanns operate far beyond mere business. If this woman can't handle hosting the annual Goldmann Gala or making critical decisions, how could she possibly lead this family?'

Evelyn's lashes fluttered as if preparing to speak, but Nathan's fingers tightened around hers. His steady gaze conveyed silent reassurance.

"Grandfather," Nathan's voice cut through the tension, "your criteria for selecting a granddaughter-in-law don't align with my priorities. None of those qualifications factored into my choice of partner."

His tone left no room for argument.

Rosalind studied Nathan intently.

'Is he truly this committed to her?'

Mr. Goldmann Sr. chuckled nervously. "Father, Nathan has always had his own mind. And in my opinion, Zoe isn't as unsuitable as you assume."

Theodore snorted. "That's your perspective. I want to know exactly how much she understands about our family's true nature. Being the Goldmann matriarch isn't some decorative title."

'The hostess of our annual gala must be more than some pretty face. If she can't handle crises or defend herself, she'll become nothing but a liability to my grandson!'

Mr. Goldmann Sr. hesitated. He hadn't disclosed the family's darker aspects to Evelyn, nor did he know if Nathan had.

Evelyn understood Theodore's implications perfectly. Considering Nathan's previous revelations, she'd already deduced the Goldmanns were more than wealthy businessmen.

"Objectively speaking," Theodore continued, "she lacks Rosalind's qualifications. Rosalind has trained under me for years. The entire family would respect her as matriarch."

At the mention of her name, Rosalind offered a modest smile. "Grandfather, you flatter me."

"I merely state facts." Theodore cared little for others' feelings. He considered long-term consequences that mere romance couldn't resolve.

Nathan's eyes narrowed to slits. His lips pressed into a thin line before parting. "My wife won't need to deal with those matters. I have no intention of inheriting the mess you've created."

"You insolent brat! How dare—"

"Father, please," Mr. Goldmann Sr. intervened. "We have guests." Turning to Nathan, he added, "Must you provoke your grandfather at a family dinner?"

Theodore glared at his son. "I haven't acknowledged this as a family gathering yet!" His meaning was clear - Evelyn hadn't earned his recognition as a Goldmann.