Chapter 338

Evelyn noticed the defiant glare from the child and felt Rosalind's concealed fist tighten behind her back.

The older woman's pleading gaze darted toward Theodore, silently begging for his support.

Though Theodore's expression darkened, he maintained remarkable composure for a man being challenged by a child.

Adrian observed the growing tension between Theodore and Evelyn within mere minutes.

A knowing smile played on his lips. "While I understand your distaste for show business, Mr. Goldmann, these children made their own choices. Surely you don't believe they're incapable of independent thought?"

Rosalind's eyes gleamed with cunning when Adrian defended Evelyn.

'How convenient,' she thought bitterly. 'First she ensnares Nathan, now she's wrapped Adrian around her finger too.'

She smirked. "Mr. Boucher, I wasn't aware you and Ms. Vanderbilt were so... close."

Theodore's scowl deepened, recalling previous rumors about Evelyn and Adrian.

'A mother of three should know better than to invite scandal,' he fumed silently.

Adrian responded before Evelyn could speak. "Our acquaintance is irrelevant."

His tone remained measured. "Nathan and I grew up together. I'm fond of these children, and Ms. Vanderbilt is a remarkably talented woman worthy of respect. Though I assure you," his gaze sharpened, "I maintain proper boundaries with a friend's wife."

Rosalind's smile faltered. The implied rebuke wasn't lost on her.

'Is he suggesting I lack propriety?'

Satisfied the children were unharmed, Theodore turned abruptly. "We're leaving," he told Rosalind, cutting the confrontation short.

Rosalind shot one last venomous glance at the group before following.

Evelyn's eyelid twitched as she watched Theodore's retreating figure. His misconceptions about her seemed to deepen daily.

She turned to Adrian. "Thank you, Mr. Boucher."

He nodded. "Just speaking the truth."

Daisy tugged Adrian's sleeve. "Uncle Adrian, why does Great-grandfather hate show business?"

Liam crossed his arms. "His opinion doesn't matter."

Adrian's expression darkened. "Because your grandmother was in the industry too."

Evelyn startled. Though Adrian and Nathan grew up together, their interactions seemed limited. "Mr. Boucher, did you know Nathan's mother?"

Adrian hesitated. "She was... an extraordinary artist. A born actress."

Evelyn studied him closely.

When Adrian spoke of Victoria Knowles, genuine reverence lit his eyes.

'Could Victoria have been Adrian's idol?' Evelyn marveled.

'The entertainment kingpin has an idol of his own!'

Later that evening at Blue Bay Villa...

The three children buzzed with excitement, reunited with their parents at last.

"Mommy's cooking is still the best!" Caleb and Daisy declared between enthusiastic bites.

Nathan observed the scene with crossed arms. His offspring had claimed every inch of space beside Evelyn the moment they arrived.

Again.