Chapter 327

"Did it hurt badly?"

Evelyn froze, an unexpected sting prickling behind her eyes. She rose abruptly, swallowing the lump in her throat. "I'm fine. Your safety is all that matters to me."

Angela's jaw tightened. "These lunatics had the audacity to pose as Mr. Boucher's fans while attacking children." She knew genuine Adrian Boucher fans would never stoop to such depravity, despite their notorious online behavior.

Evelyn offered a tired smile. "Thank you for handling them. I'll take it from here."

Angela nodded in relief.

At Blue Bay Villa—

The change of scenery worked wonders. Liam and Daisy buzzed with excitement, their earlier ordeal seemingly forgotten. "Mommy, look! We can see the ocean from our balcony!" Daisy squealed, pressing her tiny hands against the glass.

Their previous beach house had been miles from actual shoreline. Watching her daughter's delight, Evelyn set down her purse and gathered both children in a tight embrace. "If you love it here, we'll extend our stay."

Her chest eased seeing their radiant smiles.

Liam turned with startling maturity. "Don't worry about us, Mommy. We'll be good."

The words twisted Evelyn's heart. His premature wisdom always cut deeper than any complaint.

"Daddy hasn't come home yet." Daisy's innocent observation made Evelyn's hands still mid-motion.

'Nathan always rushes back when free...' She forced a smile. "Daddy's busy today. Let me make your favorite pasta."

She ruffled their hair before retreating to the kitchen, rolling up her sleeves like armor.

—

Moonlight silvered the villa when Nathan finally returned. Expecting silence, he instead found Evelyn mid-dress change, the lurid bruise marring her back stopping him dead.

"You're back." She startled, hastily pulling on a silk robe.

Nathan crossed the room in three strides, fingers hovering over the injury. "What happened?"

"Just bumped into something." She shrugged, then narrowed her eyes. "The children are here. Behave."

His response was to bury his face in the curve of her neck. "Soundproofing here is excellent."

Evelyn shivered, shoving at his chest. "You incorrigible—"

Morning brought a very public appearance at Goldmann Group. A junior executive approached nervously. "Sir, the press conference is ready."

"Press conference?" Evelyn shot Nathan a questioning look.

He laced their fingers together. "After yesterday's online attacks, it's time the world knows about our children."

Her breath caught.

'Is this his way of protecting them?'

The conference room buzzed with journalists. Cameras whirred to life as a poised reporter began: "Mr. Goldmann, regarding recent allegations about Ms. Vanderbilt's out-of-wedlock pregnancy..."