Chapter 257

Edmund chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Didn't I tell you I'd reveal everything when you're ready? There's no point in telling you now, especially considering—"

He hesitated, glancing away.

"Especially considering what?" Evelyn pressed, her fingers tightening around her teacup.

Edmund set his cup down with deliberate calm. "There's a jade exhibition at The Celestial Gem today. Care to join me?"

Recognizing his attempt to divert the conversation, Evelyn exhaled sharply but let it go. The Celestial Gem's grand hall was a masterpiece of modern design, its shelves adorned with exquisite jade pieces. While common varieties like serpentine and moss-in-snow jade were openly displayed, the rarer imperial jades and kingfisher-grade pieces remained locked behind glass, reserved for privileged eyes only.

The venue buzzed with elite collectors and connoisseurs. Unlike typical jewelry auctions, The Celestial Gem specialized exclusively in jade. Edmund guided Evelyn to their seats, but as she turned, a familiar broad-shouldered silhouette caught her eye. Nathan? What was he doing here?

Her breath hitched when she noticed the woman beside him—Rosalind.

Rosalind leaned close to whisper something, her lips nearly brushing Nathan's ear. He remained stoic, his gaze fixed on the stage, offering only occasional nods.

When Rosalind's triumphant eyes met Evelyn's, the younger woman spun back around, crossing her arms defensively over her chest.

The auctioneer's gavel snapped Evelyn's attention to the stage. Why would Nathan attend with Rosalind? Were they...? She knew Theodore Goldmann favored Rosalind as Nathan's ideal match. If not for her and the children, they'd probably be together by now. So why did that thought make her stomach twist?

The current lot was a flawless white jade bangle, its crystalline purity magnified on the overhead screens. Evelyn chewed her lip as bids escalated—until Nathan's baritone cut through the crowd.

Her teacup rattled against its saucer. He'd just placed the highest bid for an obviously feminine piece. For Rosalind?

Edmund followed her line of sight and arched a brow. "Jealous?" he murmured.

Evelyn stiffened. "Don't be ridiculous."

"Your death grip on that purse says otherwise." His smirk was infuriating.

She forced her fingers to relax. Since when did she care about Nathan's shopping habits?

Nathan remained oblivious, but Rosalind had spotted Evelyn immediately.

She made no move to alert Nathan. Let the little upstart stew in her misconceptions. The way Evelyn's shoulders hunched? Priceless. "Leaving so soon?" Edmund asked as they stood.

"Office emergency," Evelyn lied smoothly. Truthfully, she couldn't bear watching them another second.

Edmund didn't press. "I'll drive you."

That night, Evelyn bypassed Goldmann Manor entirely, heading straight for Vanderbilt Estate.

Richard's face lit up when she announced she'd stay over—then clouded with concern. "Does Mr. Goldmann know you're here?"