Chapter 37
The advantages for Viana Jewelry were crystal clear.
"Zoe, Taylor Jewelry has extremely high standards. They wouldn't just partner with any jewelry company." Gregory frowned. "Why would they consider working with Viana?"
Evelyn's lips curved into a knowing smile. "Don't worry about that. I've got a pl—"
Laura Scott strutted into the company headquarters like she owned the place, her designer bag swinging from her elbow. All the employees recognized her as Vivian's mother, addressing her with deferential "Mrs. Chairman" greetings.
Just as she was heading to Vivian's office to inquire about her scheme from the other night, the elevator doors opened to reveal Evelyn deep in conversation with a striking blond man.
Her eyes turned venomous. "How shameless—bringing your latest conquest to the office now?"
Gregory's expression darkened, but Evelyn raised a silencing hand. Her smile was razor-sharp. "I could never compete with your expertise in seduction, Laura."
"How dare you speak to me like that!" Laura's hand flew up.
SMACK!
The sound echoed through the corridor. Evelyn's head snapped to the side, a red mark blooming on her cheek. Before Gregory could intervene, Evelyn's palm connected with Laura's face with equal force, sending the older woman sprawling to the floor.
Laura clutched her stinging cheek in shock.
The burning sensation in Evelyn's palm testified to the strength behind her retaliation. Seeing that angry red mark on Laura's face—just like the one Daisy had borne—filled her with grim satisfaction.
"You—you actually hit me!"
"I don't believe in uneven exchanges." Evelyn's voice was glacial. "You started this. Consider it returned in kind."
As she turned to leave with Gregory, Nathan Goldmann and Vivian appeared down the corridor.
"Mom!" Vivian rushed to help her mother up. "What happened?"
Laura whimpered dramatically about the pain. When Vivian saw the handprint on her mother's face, she whirled on Evelyn. "Zoe! How could you strike my mother? Even if you dislike her, violence is unacceptable!"
"Perhaps check the security footage before making accusations, Ms. Vanderbilt." Evelyn gestured to the cameras mounted above the elevators. Laura paled visibly. Vivian shot her mother a wary look—this wasn't good. Whatever Laura had said must have been caught on camera.
"But—even if Mom said something awful, physical retaliation is inexcusable!"
"So you've already decided I'm at fault without evidence?" Evelyn arched a brow. "Blind loyalty over facts, Vivian?" Her gaze shifted to Nathan's impassive face. "Would Mr. Goldmann like to review the footage?"
Vivian and Laura exchanged panicked glances.
Nathan's eyes darkened as he noticed the lingering mark on Evelyn's cheek. "That won't be necessary." He'd pieced together the situation without needing video confirmation.
Evelyn shrugged and turned to Gregory. "Uncle Gregory, we shouldn't keep our clients waiting."
Gregory nodded.
Vivian blocked their path. "Zoe, which client are you meeting?" Suddenly playing the eager protégé for Nathan's benefit, she simpered, "Why don't I join you? I'd love to learn from your expertise."