Chapter 238

The tension in the dining room was palpable.

Nathan met Theodore's stormy gaze without flinching. "If you refuse to acknowledge Evelyn, then I have no choice but to leave with her."

Theodore's grip tightened around his fork. "Are you daring to threaten me?"

This arrogant brat! He's only fathered three children, yet he acts like he owns the world!

Rosalind shot Nathan a nervous glance. "Nathan, don't provoke your grandfather."

Nathan ignored her, his voice firm. "Yes. That was a threat."

"Fine! Get out of my sight!" Theodore slammed his cutlery onto the table, the sound reverberating through the room. His commanding presence filled the space, making the air thick with hostility.

The atmosphere froze.

Nathan took Evelyn's hand, ready to stand, but she gently pulled him back down. Her eyes locked onto Theodore's. "Sir, judging someone before knowing them seems rather unfair, don't you think?"

Theodore blinked, caught off guard. He had expected her to cower, not challenge him.

"Hmph! Confidence is one thing, but words mean nothing here."

"Then what would it take to prove myself?" Evelyn asked calmly.

Theodore smirked. "If you can achieve outstanding results in military training within half a month—without Nathan's help—I'll reconsider my opinion of you."

"Grandfather, that's unreasonable!" Nathan's voice was sharp.

Military training was grueling even for seasoned recruits. Expecting Evelyn, who had no prior experience, to excel in such a short time was nothing short of cruel.

Mr. Goldmann Sr. frowned. "Father, you can't possibly—"

"What? You think I'm being unfair?" Theodore cut in, his gaze fixed on Evelyn. "Well? Do you accept?"

He was counting on her to back down.

She's just a woman with no training. There's no way she can pull this off.

Liam's eyes darkened, his small face set in a scowl.

This old man is deliberately humiliating Mom.

Rosalind, noticing Evelyn's silence, assumed she was hesitating.

How could an untrained woman possibly manage this?

She spoke up, feigning concern. "Grandfather, there's no need to put Ms. Vanderbilt through this. She's... different from us."

"And what makes her different?" Theodore scoffed. "You were just as inexperienced when you first joined. I don't make exceptions for anyone."

His stance was clear—unyielding.

Nathan's jaw clenched, but before he could argue, Evelyn spoke.

"Fine. I accept your challenge."

Rosalind's eyes widened briefly before she masked her surprise.

Theodore leaned back, satisfied. "Good. Remember—this was your choice."

Just as he was about to gloat, he caught a sharp glare from the smallest figure at the table.

Liam.

The boy held his gaze for a moment before looking away, his expression cold.

I don't like him. He made Mom uncomfortable.

After dinner, Nathan and Evelyn left the hotel with their children.

Caleb and Daisy were visibly upset. "We don’t like Great-grandpa! Grandpa is way nicer!"

Evelyn ruffled their hair gently. "Don’t say that. He’s family."

But even as she spoke, her mind was already racing—how was she going to survive military training?