Chapter 44

"Why would you even ask? Don't you know Mr. Goldmann's girlfriend, Ms. Vanderbilt is the creative director of Viana Jewelry? That new company is obviously for her."

"I'm so jealous."

A group of employees were whispering near the water cooler. They'd all heard the rumors about Nathan Goldmann and Evelyn Vanderbilt's relationship, but no one expected them to be true. Why else would ckgold Group suddenly venture into jewelry business?

Vivian approached the reception desk carrying a pastry box. The receptionists immediately fell silent when they saw her, but it was too late. She'd caught every word.

"Is Nathan available?"

"Ms. Vanderbilt, he's in his office," the receptionist answered with forced cheerfulness.

Vivian's lips curved into a knowing smile. "So I heard you were discussing Nathan's new jewelry venture?"

The receptionist hesitated. "Ms. Vanderbilt... didn't Mr. Goldmann mention it to you?"

"He didn't." Her smile tightened imperceptibly.

The younger receptionist quickly added, "Maybe he wanted to surprise you!"

Vivian's frozen expression thawed instantly. "You're probably right. Thank you!"

She practically floated toward the elevators, heart swelling with pride. Nathan had been thinking about her after all.

When Vivian entered Nathan's office without knocking, she found him in deep discussion with Oliver. "Nathan, darling!" she called out brightly.

Nathan's gaze darkened. "Do you make a habit of barging into people's offices unannounced?"

Vivian's cheeks burned. In her excitement, she'd forgotten proper protocol. "I'm sorry, I just—"

"This isn't Viana Jewelry. You'll follow proper procedures here," Nathan said coldly, handing some files to Oliver who quickly excused himself.

Vivian bit her lip. "Of course. It won't happen again."

"What do you want?"

Nathan's icy stare would have sent most people scrambling, but Vivian stood her ground. She knew he treated her differently than others.

"I brought you some pastries." She lifted the box with a hopeful smile. "I know how busy you are, so I thought you might need a pick-me-up."

"Leave it on the desk." Nathan didn't even look up from his documents.

Vivian set down the box carefully, then hesitated. "Nathan... thank you."

This finally made him glance up, eyebrows raised. "For what?"

"For starting that new jewelry company." She clasped her hands together, feigning shyness. "I know I'm not as knowledgeable as Evelyn, but you still went out of your way to support me. It means so much."

Nathan's expression turned glacial. "The new company has nothing to do with you. Focus on managing Viana."

Vivian's face fell. Nothing to do with her?

Her nails dug into her palms as she fought to maintain composure. The humiliation burned worse than any slap.

Nathan returned to his paperwork. "If that's all, I have work to do."

Vivian exited with her head held high, but inside she was seething. Those gossiping receptionists would pay for making her look like a fool.

As she waited for the elevator, two junior designers stepped out, chatting excitedly. "That new lead designer is amazing! She bought coffee for the whole team yesterday." "I know! And her new collection sketches? Absolutely breathtaking!"