Chapter 239

Blood ties remained unbreakable—as long as they were Nathan’s children, that bond would never fade.

Caleb turned his face away, his voice tight. "No matter what, I still don’t like him."

Liam stayed silent, his jaw clenched. One thing was certain—he would never forgive anyone who had hurt his mother.

"Nathan." Rosalind caught up to them, her steps light but deliberate.

Nathan barely glanced at her, his fingers tightening around Evelyn’s hand. "What is it?"

Evelyn studied Rosalind with narrowed eyes.

This woman clearly has feelings for Nathan. How obvious can she be?

"Nathan, don’t worry," Rosalind said smoothly, her gaze flickering toward Evelyn. "I’ll help you convince Grandfather. After all..." She paused, her lips curving into a practiced smile. "It wouldn’t be fair to force Ms. Vanderbilt into military service."

Evelyn’s lips twitched.

Since when does she care about fairness? What’s her real game here?

The three children stared at Rosalind with identical expressions of suspicion.

She’s just like Vivian—another woman trying to cling to Daddy.

Nathan’s expression darkened, though he said nothing.

Evelyn smiled faintly. "That’s kind of you, Ms. Summers. But I always keep my word."

Rosalind’s smile stiffened. "Are you sure? Military life won’t be easy. You’ll face hardships you can’t even imagine."

Evelyn arched a brow. "I’ve survived worse. A little discipline won’t break me."

With that, she gently pulled her hand from Nathan’s and led the children toward the car.

Rosalind opened her mouth to speak, but Nathan was already following Evelyn, leaving her standing alone.

Her fists clenched at her sides, nails digging into her palms.

On the ride back, Nathan studied Evelyn’s profile—her arms crossed, her expression unreadable.

Leaning closer, he smirked. "Zoe, did you agree to Grandfather’s challenge because you can’t bear to be apart from me?"

Why else would she willingly subject herself to military training? She must really love me.

Evelyn shot him a sidelong glance. "You’re overthinking it. I just don’t like being underestimated."

Nathan’s grin widened. Whatever her reason, he was pleased.

But then—

"Actually, I’m starting to regret it." Evelyn sighed, meeting his gaze. "I acted too impulsively. If I hadn’t agreed, maybe I could’ve—"

His expression darkened before she could finish. "Are you trying to piss me off?"

Evelyn shrugged, feigning indifference. "Your grandfather already picked a wife for you. Ms. Summers is quite beautiful. I’m sure she meets your standards."

Nathan’s lips curled into a dangerous smile. "Are you jealous?"

"I’m giving you a choice, aren’t I?"

If not for that night six years ago, if not for the children, maybe things would’ve been different.

Nathan closed the distance between them, pinning her against the seat. His fingers brushed her chin. "I don’t need a choice. Push me toward another woman again, and I’ll punish you so severely you won’t forget it."

Evelyn’s cheeks burned as she looked away. "Your punishments are always the same. Predictable."

Nathan chuckled, loosening his collar. "Good. That means you remember."

"Zoe, look at this." Gregory handed Evelyn a newspaper, his expression grim.

The headline blared in bold letters: Evelyn Vanderbilt—The Unfilial Granddaughter Who Framed Her Own Family for Power.

At first glance, it was clearly Madam Victoria and Yvette’s doing.

They weren’t giving up.

And they were determined to drag her name through the mud.