Chapter 444

Evelyn smiled gratefully at the housekeeper before retreating to her room, where Chloe was busy packing her belongings.

"Call Oliver and ask him where Nathan is," Evelyn instructed.

Chloe froze momentarily but obediently pulled out her phone and dialed. Evelyn couldn't hear what Oliver said, but the shock on Chloe's face was unmistakable.

"I thought his flight was this afternoon?"

After a brief exchange, Oliver ended the call. Chloe turned to Evelyn, bewildered.

"Mr. Goldmann and the others have already returned to the country."

Evelyn's expression darkened instantly.

"Zoe," Chloe ventured cautiously, "what happened between you and Mr. Goldmann? Did something go wrong yesterday?"

She recalled how furious Evelyn had been after storming out of Nathan's room the previous night—so angry she hadn’t even eaten dinner. She’d tried asking Oliver, but he’d refused to say a word.

"He wants a divorce."

"A—what? Divorce?" Chloe rushed to her side. "Mr. Goldmann wants to divorce you? Are you sure he wasn’t joking?"

Even Chloe found it hard to believe. And if she doubted it, Evelyn had even more reason to.

Yet Nathan had changed his flight without telling her—avoiding her entirely. Did he truly mean it?

Had he really grown tired of her?

Later, while scrolling through the news, Evelyn stumbled upon a shocking headline: a doctor and several nurses had been shot dead in the very hospital where Nathan had been treated.

Her blood ran cold.

Only now did she understand why Edmund had warned her that Stoslo wasn’t safe.

Was it the same group? But why target the medical staff?

By the time they landed in Zlokova, night had fallen. Instead of heading to Blue Bay Villa or the Goldmann estate, Evelyn went straight to Vanderbilt Manor.

Richard was preparing for bed when the doorbell rang. Descending the stairs, he opened the door to find Evelyn standing there, suitcase in hand.

"Zoe, you—"

She cut him off, throwing her arms around him. "Dad, I'm home."

Richard stiffened in surprise but quickly sensed her distress. Gently stroking her hair, he murmured, "Alright. Did something happen?"

Evelyn shook her head, forcing a smile. "I'm fine. I just missed you. Dad, can I stay here tonight?"

Richard glanced at Chloe, who stood respectfully by the door. He nodded in acknowledgment before turning back to Evelyn.

"Of course. This is your home—you don’t even need to ask."

Evelyn carried her suitcase upstairs while Chloe received a text.

(Mr. Goldmann wants to know your location.)

Chloe replied: (Mrs. Goldmann has returned to Vanderbilt Manor. Oliver, can you tell me why Mr. Goldmann wants a divorce?)

Moments later, Oliver responded: (Don’t ask. It’s not your concern. Mr. Goldmann wants you to stay with Ms. Vanderbilt. From now on, you report to her. If anything happens, notify us immediately.)

In her room, Evelyn unpacked her clothes. Richard appeared in the doorway, studying her.

"Are you sure nothing’s wrong, Zoe?"

She paused, meeting his gaze. "Nothing’s wrong."

"If nothing’s wrong, why did you come straight here after returning from abroad?" Richard sighed. "Did you and Mr. Goldmann have a fight? You young people—"

"Dad," Evelyn interrupted, "what would you say if I divorced Nathan?"

Richard stiffened. "Divorce?"

Evelyn’s smile was brittle. "He wants one. But I refused. He’s not getting rid of me that easily."

Richard fell silent. He knew better than to interfere.

One thing was clear—his daughter was deeply, irrevocably in love.