Chapter 45

Vivian froze mid-step when she overheard the conversation. "Wait," she called out sharply.

The two employees turned in surprise. "Can we help you, Ms. Vanderbilt?"

With measured steps, Vivian approached them, her expression darkening. "Who exactly is this jewelry designer you mentioned?"

A cold dread crept up her spine.

"Oh, that's Zara - the international jewelry designer," one employee answered cheerfully.

Vivian's hands clenched into fists. That scheming woman!

Suddenly, Evelyn's parting words made sense. Of course! This explained why she'd abandoned Viana Jewelry so easily. She'd set her sights on Nathan instead!

The audacity!

Blinded by rage, Vivian stormed to the 16th floor where she nearly collided with Oliver emerging from an office.

Oliver blinked in surprise. "Ms. Vanderbilt? What brings you—"

"Move!" Vivian shoved past him and barged into Evelyn's office without knocking.

Oliver hesitated. Should he alert Mr. Goldmann?

Evelyn was sketching a new design when the door flew open. Vivian snatched the paper and tore it to shreds before she could react.

"You conniving witch!" Vivian spat. "I warned you to stay away from Nathan! What game are you playing now?"

Evelyn merely leaned back, crossing her arms with an amused smile. "Mr. Goldmann offered me a jewelry company in exchange for relinquishing my Viana shares. Shouldn't you be celebrating? I'm no longer your competition."

Vivian's breath hitched. Nathan gave her an entire company? Just like that?

No. She wouldn't allow this gold-digger near him.

"Name your price," Vivian hissed. "Take all the Viana shares you want. Just get out of CKGOLD immediately!"

Evelyn's laughter rang hollow. "I've lost interest in your little company."

"You—!" Vivian swept everything off the desk in a rage. "Know your place, Evelyn! Everyone in Bassburgh knows Nathan is mine. How dare you throw yourself at him?"

Evelyn arched an eyebrow. "If you're so confident in your relationship, why confront me? Could it be... you're afraid?" Her smile turned razor-sharp. "How pathetic—always coveting what isn't yours."

"You bitch!" Vivian raised her hand to strike.

Evelyn caught her wrist effortlessly. "Unlike you, some of us don't define our worth by clinging to men. Maybe spend less time throwing tantrums and more time actually earning your position at Viana. Tick-tock."

She released Vivian with a dismissive flick.

Humiliation burned through Vivian as she staggered back. "This isn't over!" she seethed before storming out.

Straight to Nathan's office she went—just as Oliver had predicted.

Oliver had already briefed Nathan about Vivian's visit. When she reappeared, flushed with fury, Nathan didn't need to guess why she'd come.