Chapter 332

"Zoe, Theodore didn't approve of your relationship with Nathan, did he?"

Evelyn froze, her gaze dropping to the floor.

Richard understood everything from her reaction. "It's because your mother was a de Arma, isn't it? The Goldmanns have always despised that family."

"Dad, who told you this?" Her voice came out sharper than intended.

Richard hesitated before speaking slowly. "Theodore himself. He demanded I tell you to stay away from Nathan. Claimed terrible things would happen if you remained together." His fingers tightened around the bedsheet. "After they left, a masked man attacked me at our doorstep. He threatened that if you didn't leave Mr. Goldmann—"

The words caught in his throat. He couldn't bring himself to finish. No father should have to force his daughter to abandon love.

Evelyn's jaw clenched. After a weighted silence, she stood abruptly. "Rest well, Dad. I'll visit tonight."

She strode from the ward, face set like stone.

Back at Soul Jewelry, she summoned Gregory to her office. Turning from the window, she spoke with chilling calm. "I'm merging Viana Jewelry with Soul. We're relocating headquarters there immediately."

Gregory blinked. "Immediately? But why the sudden move?"

A muscle twitched in Evelyn's cheek. "Father entrusted Viana to me. I won't disappoint him." Her fists clenched unconsciously at her sides.

The attacks on her children online. The ambush on her father. The pieces were falling into place with terrifying clarity.

She'd been present when Theodore called Nathan. Never had she imagined the old man would go this far to separate them.

In the executive office...

"She's moving Soul to Viana?" Nathan's pen stilled mid-signature as Gregory delivered the news.

Gregory nodded. "Apparently so. I assume Ms. Vanderbilt wants to expand operations. Viana's been underperforming lately..."

Nathan's lips pressed into a thin line. If Evelyn planned such a major move, why hadn't she discussed it with him personally?

As Gregory exited, Rosalind entered. "Nathan." Her smile didn't reach her eyes. She'd overheard everything—Vivian had earned her payment.

'Perfect,' she thought. 'Once that bitch leaves the city without Nathan's protection, eliminating her will be child's play.'

"The Eastern Inc. banquet tonight," Rosalind said smoothly. "Grandfather insists we attend together."

"Not interested," Nathan replied without looking up.

Rosalind's smile sharpened. "The current CEO was Madam Goldmann's personal manager. Grandfather thought you'd want to pay respects."

Nathan's shoulders tensed almost imperceptibly.

That evening, Evelyn brought the children to the hospital. Their arms overflowed with gifts—fruits, snacks, handmade cards.

Richard chuckled at their enthusiasm. "Your visit is present enough! Save these treats for yourselves."

Daisy approached the bedside with solemn concern. "Grandpa, who's feeding Rusty while you're here? Will he starve?" The horror in her voice suggested this was the gravest possible tragedy.

Richard ruffled her hair. "The automatic feeder will keep him full for days, sweetheart."

"Rusty?" Evelyn blinked.

Daisy's face lit up. "Grandpa's new puppy! He's got the fluffiest ears and waggiest tail!" Her hands demonstrated the wagging with enthusiastic sweeps.