Chapter 4

Everyone knew that Nathan was a VIP who had been personally received by the royal family of Stoslo. He was even close friends with the princess. Naturally, he would recognize the commemorative medal of the royal family. If Evelyn dared to show him anything fake, he would see right through her deception!

Vivian scoffed. "Why would I waste my time showing you something so precious?"

The implication was clear—Evelyn wasn’t worthy.

Vivian trembled with barely contained fury, yet a smirk still played on her lips. "Or are you just too scared to prove it?"

She turned to Nathan, her tone dripping with sweetness. "Look at her, Nathan. She’s a fraud. She knows you’ve seen the real medal before, so she doesn’t dare take it out."

Nathan’s lips curled into a cold smile. "The $150 million offer was my decision. Hiring Zara as our designer was also my call. So, if you can prove you’re really her, I’ll let today’s incident slide."

He stepped closer, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "But if you fail…" His gaze hardened. "You won’t last another day in Bassburgh."

As he neared, a familiar scent of cologne hit Evelyn—Gi.

Her breath caught.

Why does he wear the same cologne as the man from that night six years ago?

Nathan straightened, taking in her pale face. "Since you can’t prove it, leave now. Before I have someone escort you out."

Vivian smirked triumphantly.

Evelyn, you fool. Why come back just to dig your own grave?

Evelyn suddenly lifted her chin, a bright, defiant smile on her lips. "Are you sure about that, Mr. Goldmann?"

Nathan narrowed his eyes, silent.

"And what will you do about the slap I just took from Miss Vanderbilt if I do prove my identity?"

Vivian’s expression twisted. She glanced nervously at Nathan.

Despite being his lover, he had never so much as touched her in all these years. If not for her carefully crafted lies and the reservation under her name from six years ago, he would’ve doubted her long ago.

"Nathan—"

"She’ll apologize," Nathan said coolly.

Evelyn paused, her hand stilling in her bag. She looked up, incredulous. "I get slapped, and all I get is an apology?"

Nathan’s gaze darkened. "What do you want, then?"

Evelyn tilted her head. "We’re raised with manners, taught to return kindness—or in this case, a slap for a slap. Don’t you think that’s fair?"

The room fell silent.

This woman actually dares to bargain with Nathan Goldmann. Could she really be…?

Nathan’s lips pressed into a thin line.

She’s the first person in Bassburgh who dares to speak to me like this.

After a beat, he exhaled sharply. "Don’t push your luck."

"Then find yourself another designer." Evelyn pulled out the medal, holding it up. "Since you’ve seen the royal commemorative medal before, take a good look."

She tucked it back into her bag and strode away without another glance.

Vivian’s nails dug into her palms.

How is this possible? That bitch can’t be—

Zara is the designer Nathan personally poached from Luxe. Without his $150 million offer, I never could’ve matched that price.

And now, it turns out to be Evelyn?!

Did I just humiliate Nathan by attacking her?

"Nathan, I—"

She reached for his arm, but he pulled away, his voice icy. "Clean up your own mess."

Then he walked out without looking back.

Outside, his bodyguard opened the door of the waiting Rolls-Royce. Nathan slid in, his voice sharp as he addressed the man in the passenger seat. "I want everything on the designer Zara on my desk in forty-eight hours."

Seaview Villa

"Ugh, Vivian Vanderbilt is the worst!"

Daisy clutched her doll, leaning in with Caleb and Liam to stare at the computer screen. The woman on the monitor scowled back at them. "She’s so ugly."

Liam turned to his siblings. "She hurt Mommy. We can’t let her get away with it."

Daisy propped her chin on her hand. "But how?"

"We have to keep it from Mommy," Caleb mused, then snapped his fingers. "Didn’t Godmother say Vivian has a sugar daddy? Let’s start with him!"

"What’s his name again?" Daisy frowned.

"Nathan Goldmann!" Caleb typed, and the search results loaded instantly.

All three froze.

The man on the screen… looked just like them.

Liam’s eyes widened. "Mommy never told us about Dad. Could he be—?"

Caleb smirked, mischief glinting in his eyes. "If he is, this just got a whole lot easier."

Liam frowned. "But how do we get close to him?"

Daisy grinned, patting her chest. "Leave it to me! Isn’t ckgold Group looking for a child model for their new line? I’ll get the gig!"

"Sweethearts, I’m home!"

The three quickly closed the tab and rushed out to greet Evelyn.

"Mommy! Your Highness!" They threw themselves at her.

Evelyn laughed, crouching to hug them. "Behave for Godmother?"

"Mommy, would we ever cause trouble?" Caleb blinked innocently.

Daisy nodded. "Godmother even promised us cake!"

Evelyn sighed.

I know my kids. They’re definitely up to something.

Caleb was the schemer, Liam the protective older brother, and Daisy—well, Daisy was the wildcard who dragged them into chaos.

"Mommy, you look upset," Liam said softly. "Did someone hurt you?"

Evelyn hesitated.

That man today… his face, his scent—it all reminded her of that night.

"Mommy, you’re hiding something!"

She forced a smile, standing. "Leave the grown-up stuff to grown-ups. I’ll make dinner."

Just then, her phone rang.

An unknown number.

Her lips twitched.

Vivian Vanderbilt.