Chapter 469

"He wouldn't just demand a divorce without cause!" Evelyn's voice trembled, her eyes rimmed red. "Mr. Theodore Goldmann, I'm begging you—let me see him!"

Theodore's jaw tightened, though his expression remained impassive. "He's made his decision. Why persist? Haven't you caused enough trouble already? We're not contesting custody, and Nathan even transferred some of his shares to you. What more do you want?"

Evelyn's fingers turned ice-cold. Was that what they thought she cared about? Never.

Her voice shook. "I just need answers."

Theodore clenched his fist behind his back. Memories of his grandson's suffering hardened his gaze. "Answers? I never approved this marriage in the first place. I forced him to file for divorce. You were never worthy of him."

If Nathan couldn't sever ties, he'd play the villain himself.

His teeth ground together. "Evelyn, if you truly care for Nathan, sign the papers. We've been more than generous. If this goes to court, you'll lose everything."

"Furthermore," he continued coldly, "Nathan gave me his word—no further contact after this. Hate me if you must, but I won't watch my grandson suffer again. The children will be cared for, but you and Nathan are finished. Why cling when he's already let go?"

Let go? A bitter smile twisted Evelyn's lips. Her chest ached as if split open, hollow and raw. "Mr. Goldmann, please—just let me see him once."

"He refuses to see you. Leave."

With a dismissive wave, he turned toward the mansion, deliberately blocking her view inside.

Evelyn stood frozen as the doors slammed shut. The two guards exchanged glances. "Ms. Vanderbilt," one said carefully, "you should go."

Even her title had been stripped away. She didn't move.

The guards retreated, assuming she'd leave eventually.

Upstairs, Oliver watched from the window, his heart heavy. How could Nathan face her in this state?

Rain began pelting the pavement as Evelyn remained. The downpour drowned all other sounds, icy droplets mixing with her tears.

She clenched her fists, numb to the cold, refusing to budge.

Theodore sat stiffly beside Nathan's sickbed, eyes closed, hands folded. Oliver approached. "Sir, Ms. Vanderbilt still... hasn't left."

Theodore's eyes snapped open. "And? Should we parade him out like this?"

Oliver bowed his head.

"Let her wait," Theodore said coldly. "She'll leave when she's exhausted."

Oliver frowned. He'd message Chloe—someone needed to retrieve Evelyn before she collapsed.

Outside, Evelyn's vision blurred. Her body had long since lost feeling. Still, Nathan never appeared.

'Why, Nathan? Why this cruelty?'

Her knees buckled as darkness crept in.

Just before she hit the ground, strong arms caught her. She glimpsed a familiar silhouette before consciousness slipped away.