Chapter 258

Evelyn's expression shifted when Nathan was mentioned, but she forced a smile to reassure Richard. "I already told the children," she said softly.

Richard nodded in understanding.

"Dad, why don't you hire some help?" Evelyn changed the subject, her fingers tracing the rim of her teacup. "A housekeeper would give you more time to rest."

Richard waved his hand dismissively. "I've grown accustomed to having free time. Keeping busy suits me just fine."

Evelyn looked down at her lap, then suddenly brightened. "Why don't I bring the children to visit? You've never met them properly."

Richard hesitated before smiling tentatively. "That's true... Do you think they might... dislike me?"

"Of course not." Evelyn reached for his hand. "They're young but incredibly perceptive." In the past, she would never have considered bringing them to the Vanderbilt estate, but circumstances had changed.

The doorbell chimed through the house.

Richard rose to answer it, his posture stiffening when he saw their visitor. "Mr. Goldmann?"

Evelyn's teacup clattered against its saucer as she spotted Nathan in the doorway. 'How did he get here so quickly? Wasn't he enjoying his time at The Jade Store with Rosalind?' She watched as Richard ushered him inside, then abruptly set down her cup and retreated upstairs without a word.

Nathan's brow furrowed. Was she genuinely upset with him?

"Has something happened between you and Zoe?" Richard asked cautiously, sensing the tension.

Nathan offered a placating smile. "Nothing serious. I'll go speak with her." Richard nodded, stepping aside to let him pass. Some disagreements were best handled privately.

When Nathan entered Evelyn's bedroom, he found her meticulously folding a cashmere throw. The corner of his mouth lifted as he approached, wrapping his arms around her from behind. "Are we really doing this?" he murmured against her hair.

"Let go." Evelyn's voice was tight.

"Not until you tell me why you're angry." Nathan, who typically avoided explanations, found himself pressing for details. "Was it something I did? Or is this about our discussion this morning?"

Evelyn took a sharp breath, twisting out of his embrace to face him. "Figure it out yourself. Why ask me?"

Nathan studied her, uninterested in playing the blame game. Truthfully, he didn't care who was right. "I'm sorry. It's not that I don't trust you. I just couldn't bear seeing you put in that position."

Evelyn opened her mouth, then closed it. Was this his idea of an apology? And he thought this was about their morning argument? "Zoe, please." Nathan's voice softened as he cupped her face. The earnest look in his striking eyes disarmed her completely. No matter how furious she felt, she couldn't maintain her anger when he looked at her like that. If he'd been his usual stubborn self, she might have held her ground. But this vulnerable sincerity made her feel petty for being upset over something so trivial.

"Why are you here?" Evelyn crossed her arms, deliberately looking away. She hated how easily he could melt her resolve.

"Aren't you shipping out tomorrow?" His hands slid to her waist. "I wanted to spend the night—"

Evelyn pressed a finger to his lips, finally meeting his gaze. "Shouldn't you let me rest before training? Unless you want me sore all over tomorrow?"

Nathan caught her hand, pressing a kiss to her knuckles. "Fine," he conceded with a smirk. "I promise you'll get proper rest tonight."