Chapter 406

"Yes, I've launched my own jewelry line." Evelyn flashed a confident smile before gesturing to her companion. "This is my dear friend, Chloe."

Henry Knowles gave a polite nod, which Chloe immediately returned with equal warmth.

Evelyn continued the introductions. "Mr. Knowles is a major investor at Luxe. He was incredibly supportive during my time there."

She turned back to Henry. "Have you dined yet, Mr. Knowles?"

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Henry smiled. "Just finished a business lunch with Mr. Abascal and an important client." His eyes twinkled with amusement. "Speaking of which, our guest happens to be a young, successful entrepreneur from Zlokova."

Evelyn's gaze instinctively shifted to the group approaching behind Henry.

The cluster of businessmen moved with purpose, led by a striking figure in a perfectly tailored suit whose commanding presence turned heads.

When their eyes met, a flicker of surprise crossed Nathan Goldmann's usually impassive features before his expression schooled back into its typical unreadable mask.

Oliver Lawson, trailing behind his boss, nearly stumbled when he spotted Evelyn. What were the odds of running into his sister and Ms. Vanderbilt here of all places?

"Mr. Abascal!"

Henry raised his hand in greeting, drawing the attention of the blond man beside Nathan. Julian Abascal's eyebrows shot up when he noticed Evelyn. "And who might this lovely lady be, Mr. Knowles?"

Henry made the introductions. "This is Zara, a former lead designer at Luxe with remarkable talent."

Evelyn's crimson lips curved as she extended her hand. "A pleasure, Mr. Abascal."

Julian grasped her hand with enthusiasm. "The pleasure is entirely mine, Ms. Zara."

Nathan's jaw tightened visibly.

Evelyn deliberately kept her attention on Julian for a beat longer before finally turning to Nathan with arched brows. "Mr. Goldmann in Stoslo? What an unexpected coincidence. We've traveled quite the distance only to bump into each other here."

Nathan's piercing gaze held hers, offering no verbal response.

Julian looked between them curiously. "You two know each other?"

Evelyn merely smirked while maintaining eye contact with Nathan, her expression radiating smug satisfaction.

'Surprised, aren't you?' she thought triumphantly.

Oliver and Chloe had drifted together, the former whispering urgently, "Why on earth is Ms. Vanderbilt in Stoslo?"

Chloe gave him an equally puzzled look. "She's here for the Sheena Jewelry Exhibition. More importantly, why are you and Mr. Goldmann here?"

Oliver's eyes widened. "She's attending the Sheena show?" He nearly facepalmed. 'Then why has Mr. Goldmann been acting like a brooding storm cloud all week?'

Chloe nudged her brother conspiratorially. "Don't you think there's some serious tension between those two?"

Oliver gave her a deadpan look. "That's not tension - that's a full-blown warzone."

The air between Evelyn and Nathan crackled with unspoken words.

Nathan hadn't mentioned his Stoslo trip to Evelyn, and this unexpected encounter clearly caught him off guard. Their eyes locked in a silent battle before Nathan finally broke contact, his expression shifting to something resembling resigned amusement. "We're... acquainted."

'Acquainted?' Evelyn's smile froze.

Julian stroked his chin, sensing there was far more to this story than either party was letting on.

Evelyn offered Julian a polite nod, though her smile didn't quite reach her eyes this time. "Is Mr. Goldmann here on business?"

Nathan confirmed with a slight nod, a challenging glint appearing in his gaze. "And Ms. Vanderbilt's purpose for visiting?"

Evelyn shrugged nonchalantly. "Oh, just visiting my husband."

Nathan's eyes narrowed dangerously.