Chapter 253

Richard picked up the envelope lying on the floor, its contents spilling out—dozens of explicit photographs featuring a face he knew all too well. The paternity test results confirmed what he had feared: Vivian was not his biological daughter.

Vivian collapsed onto the floor, her body trembling.

"You're not Richard's child," Evelyn stated coldly, her voice devoid of emotion. "Laura used to work in the Underground Freeway. Her profession was... specialized. She entertained countless men. As for how she got pregnant—or who your real father is—I doubt even she knows."

"No! It's not true! Vivian is yours, Richard! You have to believe me!" Laura shrieked, desperation clawing at her voice.

"You lying witch." Richard flung the photographs at her, his fury erupting. "How dare you deceive me for years!"

Laura's face paled as realization dawned. She turned to Vivian, her hands outstretched. "Vivian, listen to me—I can explain—"

"Don't say my name!" Vivian recoiled, her voice breaking with revulsion. "You disgust me! Why did you even give birth to me? I hate you! And you—" She whirled on Evelyn, her eyes burning with venom. "I hate you too!"

With that, she bolted from the room, her sobs echoing down the hall.

Laura's breath hitched as she saw the raw hatred in her daughter's eyes.

The police wasted no time. They seized Laura, dragging her away before she could utter another word. The truth had been laid bare, and the media, having witnessed the scandalous spectacle, quickly dispersed.

Madam Victoria, Richard's mother, berated York Vanderbilt at the scene, her fury uncontainable. Lydia, York's daughter, stood frozen, struggling to process that her father had been involved with Laura.

Evelyn's gaze fell on her father's slumped shoulders. "I'm sorry, Dad..."

Richard swallowed hard, forcing a weak smile. "Don't apologize. At least now I know the truth."

Her throat tightened as she watched him walk away, his figure small and broken. All the resentment she had harbored toward him dissolved in that moment.

Then she felt a presence behind her.

Nathan.

Before she could speak, his arms encircled her, pulling her against his chest. His embrace was firm, his warmth seeping into her.

Evelyn stiffened in surprise.

"I was backstage the whole time," he murmured, his hand cradling the back of her head. "Worrying about you."

Her lashes fluttered shut. She had thought no one would ever care for her like this—except her children. But now, she wasn't alone.

A small smile curved her lips as she pulled back slightly. "Nathan... I never realized you could be so sweet."

Especially when he's not being his usual arrogant self.

Nathan's brow furrowed. "Sweet?" He scoffed, loosening his tie. "Is that how you see me?"

Before she could react, he swept her off her feet.

Evelyn gasped, instinctively wrapping her arms around his neck. "What are you doing?"

"Proving I'm not sweet," he growled, striding out of the room.

That night, Nathan made sure she understood exactly how not sweet he could be.

Exhausted, Evelyn fell asleep in his arms.

Nathan watched her for a long moment before pressing a kiss to her forehead. Then he slipped out of bed, dressed, and made a call.

"Sir, the prison reports Laura is refusing to confess," his assistant informed him. "She insists on blaming Evelyn and is emotionally unstable."

Nathan's expression darkened. "Then make sure she receives special treatment in prison."

"And Vivian?"

Nathan's voice was ice. "Send her where she belongs."

Mercy was not an option.