Chapter 356

Evelyn didn’t hesitate for even a second. "I believe in Nathan."

As she led Caleb away, she paused, turning back with a hardened expression. "I know about Nathan’s mother. If the de Armas truly did what I think they did, I’ll never forgive them."

With that, she left, Caleb’s small hand clasped tightly in hers.

Lucas remained seated, his face unreadable. His gaze flickered to Harrison’s slightly embarrassed expression before he stood. "Grandfather, if there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave."

"Did you warn her?" Harrison’s voice was icy.

Lucas nodded. "Yes. I didn’t know your intentions when you sought out that child. Mother has always said the past should stay buried. Why can’t you let it go?"

Harrison slammed his fist on the table, his voice trembling with fury. "The Goldmanns don’t deserve to be forgotten! Every last one of them deserves to pay!"

Lucas exhaled sharply. It was clear—no matter what he said, Harrison’s hatred for the Goldmanns ran too deep.

‘There’s no reasoning with him.’

Downstairs, Caleb glanced up at Evelyn. "Mommy, is that man really your grandfather?"

Evelyn hesitated, forcing a smile. "Yes."

"But why does Great-grandpa hate the Goldmanns?" Caleb might not understand the history between the two families, but even at his age, he could sense the venom in Harrison’s words.

Evelyn didn’t know how to explain it to him. Just then, she spotted Nathan standing by the car, phone pressed to his ear.

"Daddy!" Caleb sprinted toward him.

Nathan ended the call and turned, effortlessly scooping the boy into his arms. "Did you and Mommy come to pick me up?"

Nathan nodded, his eyes shifting to Evelyn as she approached. "The butler went to get Caleb and realized he wasn’t there. I’ve already informed him so the old man won’t suspect anything."

Evelyn blinked, then nodded. "Thank you."

As Nathan carried Caleb to the car, the boy leaned in and whispered, "Daddy, Mommy defended you in front of her grandfather!"

Nathan’s brows lifted slightly. "Did she now?"

Caleb nodded eagerly, his amber eyes gleaming.

Evelyn slid into the car, frowning at their hushed exchange. "What are you two whispering about?"

Caleb grinned. "It’s a secret between me and Daddy!"

Evelyn sighed.

‘Since when did these two start keeping secrets from me?’

Back at the Goldmann mansion, the butler smiled warmly as Caleb bounded inside. "Master Caleb, you’re home!"

"Mm-hmm!" Caleb nodded.

Liam and Daisy hurried down the stairs, Daisy immediately latching onto her brother. "Caleb, why are you back so late?"

Caleb hesitated, then grinned. "Oh, uh… I went out to dinner with Professor Lucas."

He was smart enough not to mention being taken away—he didn’t want his great-grandfather blaming his mother.

Just as they were about to leave, an elderly voice boomed from the top of the stairs. "What’s this? Is our home-cooked food not good enough? Why the rush?"

Theodore and Rosalind descended, Rosalind’s expression darkening the moment she spotted Evelyn. But she held her tongue.

Nathan wrapped an arm around Evelyn’s waist, his voice teasing. "Well, since we’re here, why don’t we stay for dinner?" He glanced at her. "What do you think?"

Evelyn hesitated, but Nathan squeezed her hand.

"Let’s go back to the villa."