Chapter 401

Evelyn couldn't help but smirk.

'Vivian was right. Grandfather only spared Rosalind for the Summers' sake, but Father would never tolerate this. This move will trap Rosalind with no escape routes left.'

Her options were bleak - live as a fugitive forever or surrender to prison.

In a dimly lit alleyway hotel...

Rosalind stared at the citywide manhunt announcement on her phone screen, her face twisting into something monstrous.

"The Goldmanns!" She crushed the phone in her trembling hands. "You're really pushing me to this? That bitch Evelyn and Nathan set me up from the beginning!"

A chilling laugh escaped her lips. "If you want to play dirty, don't blame me for what comes next."

With shaking fingers, she dialed an international number she'd sworn never to use.

After several rings, a mocking male voice answered. "Miss Summers? To what do I owe this... pleasure?"

Rosalind's nails dug into her palms. "I need your help, Dominic."

"Help?" His laughter was ice-cold. "Why should I?"

The humiliation burned, but he was her only option now. She swallowed her pride. "You once said you'd assist me if I helped you against the Goldmanns."

"Ah." His tone dripped with amusement. "So the position of Mrs. Goldmann wasn't satisfying enough? How... predictable."

"I'll do anything," she hissed. "Name your price."

"Rosalind," he tutted, "I don't appreciate desperate women. Our... arrangement doesn't entitle you to my resources."

Her face drained of color at the insult.

"If you're serious," he continued, smoke evident in his voice, "lure Evelyn to Stoslo. However you manage it, I don't care. Remember - you're the beggar here. I'll consider helping only when Evelyn agrees to come."

The line went dead. Rosalind collapsed onto the bed, her breathing ragged before hardening into resolve.

'Evelyn... this is your fault. You should've stayed away from Nathan.'

That evening...

Nathan arrived at Soul Jewelry to pick up Evelyn. Leaning against the car window, his golden eyes caught the dying sunlight, transforming them into liquid amber pools.

Evelyn opened her mouth to speak, but the sight stole her breath.

'No wonder Vivian, Lydia, and Rosalind are obsessed. With his looks, power, and background...'

Noticing her stare, Nathan flashed a wolfish grin. "Like what you see?"

Evelyn arched a brow. "Enough to understand why women throw themselves at you."

Oliver, their driver, nearly choked.

'Did I just hear that? Ms. Vanderbilt is getting bolder - teasing Mr. Goldmann outright!'

Nathan twirled a lock of her hair around his finger. "Darling, if you're that eager, wait until we're home. I'll let you pounce to your heart's content."