Chapter 344

"Where's my grandfather?"

"Elder Master Goldmann just retired for his afternoon rest," Mr. Chester replied.

Nathan's gaze sharpened. "And Evelyn? Didn't he summon her?"

A knowing smile curved Mr. Chester's lips at Nathan's concern. "Indeed, he did call Ms. Vanderbilt here. But you needn't worry—he didn't oppose your union. In fact, he's given his blessing."

Surprise flickered in Nathan's eyes, quickly replaced by suspicion. "What were his terms?"

Knowing Grandfather, he wouldn't yield without conditions.

Mr. Chester nodded. "Elder Master Goldmann only relented after witnessing Ms. Vanderbilt's unwavering loyalty to the Goldmann family. His primary concern was the de Armas using her against you."

He paused before continuing, "Ms. Vanderbilt assured him she wouldn't allow that. She gave her word, and only then did the Elder Master concede."

A shadow crossed Nathan's face as Mr. Chester added, "Incidentally, how is Ms. Vanderbilt's father faring? The Elder Master only recently learned of his injuries after speaking with him. Quite the coincidence, really."

Nathan's expression darkened, but he had no time to dwell on it. "Where is Zoe now?"

"She departed shortly before your arrival."

Nathan strode out of the mansion, the crisp air doing little to cool his rising unease. His phone buzzed—Oliver's name flashed on the screen.

The moment Oliver's words reached his ears, Nathan's face turned glacial, the atmosphere around him dropping several degrees.

Evelyn's consciousness returned slowly, her vision blurry as she took in her surroundings—an abandoned, unfinished building.

Her wrists ached from the rough ropes binding them. No matter how she twisted, escape seemed impossible.

Footsteps echoed.

"Evelyn Vanderbilt." The voice was sharp, triumphant. "Finally, I have you where I want you."

Vivian stepped into view, flanked by two men—one of whom had been driving the car earlier.

Realization struck Evelyn like a physical blow.

The accident was staged.

She inhaled deeply, steadying herself before meeting Vivian's gaze. "You orchestrated this?"

Vivian smirked, crossing her arms. The cruelty in her eyes was unmistakable. "Does it matter?"

She closed the distance between them, her hand lashing out to strike Evelyn's cheek. The sound of the slap echoed in the empty space.

"Always so proud, aren't you?" Vivian sneered. "How does it feel to be at my mercy now?"

Another slap followed, leaving twin marks blooming across Evelyn's face.

Evelyn licked the inside of her stinging cheek, then chuckled darkly. "You went through all this trouble just to slap me twice?"

The laughter ignited Vivian's fury. Her hand flew out again, nails raking Evelyn's skin, drawing a thin line of blood.

Vivian yanked Evelyn's hair, forcing her head back. "Did you ever imagine you'd end up like this? That bitch of yours survived last time, but I won't make the same mistake again."

Despite her predicament, Evelyn's demeanor remained unbroken, her defiance radiating like an unyielding frost.

The admission confirmed Evelyn's suspicions. "So it was you behind the accident."

Vivian's laugh was shrill. "Yes! And what will you do about it? Pity I didn't finish off those brats of yours."

Evelyn's eyes turned glacial.

It really was her.

"Oh, and about Dad—" Vivian's lips twisted. "Oh wait, he's not my father anymore, is he? The accident that put Richard in the hospital? That was me too."