Chapter 265

Rosalind stood at the base of the stairs, arms crossed tightly over her chest, her gaze dark as she watched the silhouette disappear into the building.

If it weren’t for those three brats, she would never be worthy of standing beside Nathan.

"Sis Rosalind, have you been waiting long?" Winifred hurried over, snapping Rosalind out of her bitter thoughts.

A practiced smile curved Rosalind’s lips. "I didn’t expect you to actually come."

Winifred shrugged. "Of course I did. How’s the training camp been?"

Rosalind’s expression smoothed into indifference. "Fine. Though a new recruit arrived two days ago—someone I can’t stand."

Winifred’s face twisted in irritation. "Who?"

"Evelyn Vanderbilt, or something like that."

Rosalind’s brows lifted slightly. "Evelyn Vanderbilt?"

She hadn’t expected Winifred to already know about Evelyn, given how recently the woman had arrived.

"Yes, her." Winifred scoffed. "She’s already got Mr. Boucher wrapped around her finger. Always hovering around her like some lovesick puppy. Disgusting."

A slow, dangerous smile curled Rosalind’s lips.

Winifred despises Evelyn. This just got easier. I might not even need to lift a finger.

Nathan returned to the Goldmann mansion late that night, the three children in tow.

They had spent the day at the Vanderbilt manor, and it was clear they had warmed up to Richard, their maternal grandfather.

Rosalind stepped forward, her smile polished. "Nathan, you’re back. Have you eaten? If not, I can have the servants—"

"Daddy, I’m sleepy!" Daisy cut in, stretching her arms toward Nathan with a dramatic yawn.

Nathan chuckled, scooping her up. "Already?"

"Mommy says kids who sleep early grow big and strong," Daisy mumbled, rubbing her eyes.

She wasn’t tired—she just wanted Nathan’s attention.

Wrapping her arms around his neck, she pouted. "Daddy, will you read us a bedtime story?"

Nathan sighed in mock exasperation. "Fine. One story."

Liam and Caleb exchanged grins before bolting upstairs. "Story time!"

Rosalind, left standing in the foyer, clenched her fists.

Three little obstacles. But as long as Grandfather approves of me, I still have a chance. Evelyn? She’s nothing.

After tucking the children in, Nathan stepped out of their room—only to nearly collide with Rosalind.

She held out an ornate box from The Jade Store. "The ring you ordered arrived. I thought it might get misplaced at the office, so I brought it home for you."

Nathan took it with a curt nod. "Thanks."

He walked away without another word.

Rosalind’s smile didn’t waver, but her eyes darkened with something cold.

Dawn broke over the mountains, the fog lingering stubbornly.

By midmorning, the cadets were assembling, heavy packs strapped to their backs as they prepared for the day’s hike.

Evelyn knelt on the ground, adjusting the straps of her bag, when a girl with a high ponytail approached.

"Hey," the girl said. "My usual partner bailed. If you don’t have a teammate yet, want to pair up?"

Evelyn glanced up, considering. She hadn’t found a partner either.

"Sure."

Winifred grinned. "Perfect." She turned to the instructor. "Sir, we’re teaming up!"

The instructor nodded, marking their names down.

Evelyn didn’t miss the way Winifred’s smile didn’t quite reach her eyes.

This should be interesting.