Chapter 343

The longstanding feud between the de Armas and Goldmann families made it utterly impossible for me to acknowledge the de Armas name so casually.

Nathan's grandfather Theodore looked momentarily surprised by Evelyn's firm stance, though his expression quickly smoothed over.

After a long pause, he spoke gravely. "Remember your words today, girl. If you go back on them, I'll make you regret it—even if it costs me my grandson's affection forever."

Evelyn blinked in shock.

'Is he actually reconsidering his position?'

She offered a small smile. "I won't forget."

Mr. Chester escorted Evelyn to the mansion's entrance. Hearing that Theodore had tacitly approved the marriage brought him visible relief for both Evelyn and Nathan.

"How are the children these days?" the butler inquired warmly.

Evelyn's smile widened. "They're thriving."

Mr. Chester leaned closer, his voice dropping to a confidential tone. "Between us, the elder Mr. Goldmann adores those three. He simply doesn't know how to show it."

"The man spent his youth buried in work—neglected raising his own son, barely saw his grandson. Now that he's got great-grandchildren..." The butler shook his head. "Love isn't the issue. He's forgotten how to be family."

Understanding dawned in Evelyn's eyes. She recalled Theodore's secret hospital visits whenever the children were ill—proof the stern patriarch cared more than he'd ever admit.

As Evelyn drove away from the Goldmann estate, a sedan suddenly swerved into her path at an intersection. She jerked the wheel and slammed the brakes. Tires screeched, but impact was inevitable.

The collision wasn't severe—both vehicles had slowed considerably—but the damage was done. Heart pounding, Evelyn took a moment to steady herself before engaging the parking brake and stepping out.

The other driver remained inside his car.

She approached and rapped on the window. The young man inside slowly lowered it.

Before she could speak, an arm snaked around her throat from behind. A chemical-soaked cloth clamped over her nose and mouth.

Evelyn clawed at the attacker's sleeve, but the chloroform's sickly sweetness overwhelmed her. Her limbs turned leaden.

Two more men emerged from the sedan's backseat, hauling her limp form inside. Doors slammed. The car sped away.

Meanwhile, Nathan arrived at Soul Jewelry Studio, his brow furrowing at the empty office.

'Where has that woman disappeared to now?'

"Mr. Goldmann?" Gregory approached, recognizing the CEO's imposing silhouette. "Looking for Zoe?"

Nathan turned sharply. "Her location."

"She received a call and left for the Goldmann mansion. Didn't she inform you?"

'The mansion?'

Nathan's eyes narrowed dangerously.

'Grandfather's doing?'

Without answering, he strode out, nearly colliding with Rosalind in the hallway.

"Nathan, darling—"

He brushed past without acknowledgment, leaving her clutching her phone. A new message notification glowed on the screen. Rosalind's lips curled as she read it.

Back at the estate, Mr. Chester startled at Nathan's abrupt return. The CEO's stormy expression promised trouble. "Sir, is everything—"