Chapter 255

Rosalind had overheard everything—Nathan actually intended to marry that woman. She bit her lower lip lightly, concealing the storm of resentment brewing in her eyes.

Nathan's expression darkened at the interruption. "I don't need anyone's permission to decide who I marry."

"Boy, are you deliberately defying me?" Theodore snapped, his voice sharp with authority. "Since she agreed to my conditions, I won't approve this marriage until she proves herself."

Nathan stood, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "So, you're saying if Evelyn completes the military training and achieves results, you'll give your blessing?"

Theodore hesitated. He sensed the trap in his grandson's words but couldn't back down now. "Fine. But she has to pass every test and show real progress within two weeks. Do you honestly think that's possible?"

An untrained civilian surviving half a month in the military? What kind of results could she possibly achieve?

Nathan's expression soured slightly.

Rosalind stepped forward, placing a gentle hand on Theodore's arm. "Grandfather, this is too harsh on Ms. Vanderbilt. Maybe we should reconsider the bet."

Her words sounded sympathetic, but her true intention was clear—she wanted Evelyn to back out voluntarily.

If she quits now, she’ll save herself the humiliation. A pampered socialite like her won’t last a week in training. Grandfather is only setting her up to fail. Why would she willingly walk into this?

Nathan turned to Evelyn. "Zoe, forget the bet. You don’t have to do this."

Even if she backs out, even if Grandfather disapproves, I’ll marry her anyway. No one can stop me.

Evelyn had expected Nathan to believe in her. His words stung—he didn’t think she could do it.

"No," she said firmly. "The more you doubt me, the more I want to prove you wrong."

She finished her coffee in one gulp and stood. "I’m heading to the company now." Grabbing her bag, she strode out without another glance.

Nathan watched her leave, his jaw tight.

Theodore, surprisingly, looked almost impressed. She’s got spine. Not bad.

Rosalind noticed his shift in attitude, and a flicker of coldness passed through her gaze.

At Soul Jewelry Studio

"You're leaving for two weeks?" Gregory blinked in surprise as Evelyn handed over her workload.

"I’m enlisting for military training," she replied. "Everything’s in your hands until I return."

She paused. "Is Adrian Boucher’s jewelry order ready?"

Gregory nodded. "Finished. We can deliver it to his team today."

"Good. Handle the follow-ups for me." She smiled, but as soon as he left, her expression turned pensive.

She opened her desk drawer, pulling out a business card she’d never used.

Her fingers tightened around it.

No. I’ll deal with Mrs. Laurent when I get back.

Her phone buzzed—Edmund Lincoln was calling.

Administrative Office

"Nathan, you know Grandfather is making this impossible for Evelyn. Are you really going to let this happen?" Rosalind studied him carefully as he flipped through documents.