Chapter 242

I had given them every opportunity, but the Vanderbilts kept pushing their limits, forcing my hand.

They resorted to drugs just to trap me into marrying Jacob.

They shamelessly tried to steal Viana Jewelry from me.

And they spread vicious rumors online to ruin my reputation.

For my father's sake, I even helped bail Uncle York out of jail, yet they didn't show an ounce of gratitude—as if it was my duty.

Now she dares call me cold-blooded? Then I'll prove her right beyond her wildest expectations!

"Evelyn, you're still a Vanderbilt. Will you really abandon Henry to his fate?" Madam Victoria's voice trembled with barely concealed panic. Her usual composure had shattered.

"Yes. Not only will I abandon him, but I'll make sure he learns his lesson." My lips curled into a cold smile. "Honestly, Henry became this worthless because of your blind indulgence. He chose this path—now he'll face the consequences. I'm simply giving him the chance to reform."

"What...what do you mean?" Her breath hitched.

I flicked my lashes up. "I was the one who reported Henry. The case is already filed—stop dreaming about getting him out. Prison will teach him right from wrong."

Madam Victoria's scream pierced through the phone. "Evelyn Vanderbilt! You sent your own cousin to jail! You vile creature! I warn you—if you don't release Henry immediately—"

"Threaten me again," I interrupted icily, "and I'll ensure he never sees daylight again. His sentence depends entirely on my mood. Keep provoking me, and he'll rot there forever."

Who didn't know how to play this game? I owed my mastery to all those who'd threatened me before.

My words finally made realization dawn on her.

Not only did I have Nathan Goldmann's power backing me, but when I decided to be ruthless, I showed no mercy. The moment they kept testing my limits, they'd already fallen into my trap.

Evelyn Vanderbilt, once pushed too far, became terrifyingly unstoppable. As for Henry? Even if he got out, his life was already ruined.

I ended the call without hesitation. From start to finish, I hadn't softened—they'd forced this outcome.

Knowing their nature, understanding they'd never stop coming after me, the only solution was to crush them completely.

"This family spoiled Henry rotten since childhood. Gambling, street fights—he's been in and out of police stations but never changed. When my investigators uncovered his drug trafficking, sending him to prison became my responsibility. Better reform him now before he escalates to murder."

A knock interrupted my thoughts. Gregory entered with a smile. "Zoe, you have a visitor."

Then a familiar figure appeared behind him.

Nathan strode out of the administrative office. Oliver didn't need to ask—he knew exactly where his boss was heading.

Sometimes Oliver wondered if Mr. Goldmann ever felt neglected while his wife was busy disciplining her shameless relatives.

The elevator doors opened, revealing Rosalind standing there.

She stepped forward with a practiced smile. "Nathan, where are you off to?"

His gaze cooled. "Why are you here?"

"Your father asked me to bring you lunch." She lifted a designer lunchbox. "He mentioned you often skip meals when busy."