Chapter 476

Nathan's fingers trembled as he lifted the signed divorce papers from Evelyn's hand. The corner crumpled beneath his grip, the paper nearly tearing from the force of his anguish.

Zoe is really gone. And I'll never see her again...

News outlets had been relentless, replaying footage of Nathan breaking down in front of the wrecked car from the accident a week prior. Speculation ran wild—his wife had perished in the crash, they claimed, sparking a frenzy of public sympathy and morbid curiosity.

Back at the Goldmann estate, the truth had been kept from the children—until now.

Liam stormed into the room first, his small frame trembling with fury. "Where's Mom?" he demanded, voice cracking.

Nathan didn't answer, his gaze fixed on the floor where the divorce papers had fallen. Caleb and Daisy followed, their confusion turning to dread as they took in the scene.

Theodore and Mr. Chester lingered in the doorway, helpless.

Liam snatched up the papers and hurled them at Nathan. "Bring her back!"

Caleb and Daisy froze, their brother's outburst terrifying them. But the suffocating silence in the room told them everything they needed to know.

Theodore stepped forward, his voice heavy. "Liam, this isn't your father's fault."

Liam whirled on him, eyes blazing. "I hate you!"

The words struck Theodore like a physical blow. Before he could react, Liam bolted for the door.

"Stop him!" Theodore barked.

Bodyguards intercepted Liam, restraining him despite his desperate thrashing.

Theodore turned, his gaze piercing. "If you were strong enough to protect your mother, she wouldn't be in this situation."

Liam went still.

His small fists clenched, knuckles white.

He's right. I'm weak. I couldn't protect her. That's why they hurt her.

Liam lifted his chin, his expression hardening beyond his years. "One day, I'll be strong enough. And I'll make every single person who hurt Mom, Caleb, and Daisy pay. They'll beg for death."

Theodore studied him, then nodded. "Then stay by my side. Power comes with suffering. If you want revenge, you'll endure it."

Mr. Chester frowned. "Elder Master Goldmann, he's just a boy."

Theodore scoffed. "And one day, Nathan, Nicholas, and I will be gone. Who will protect them then?"

Caleb and Daisy exchanged horrified glances.

What does Great-grandpa mean? Does Dad... not have much time left?

Two months later...

Morwich, Hanns Palace, City of Saint Page

Evelyn sat quietly on a garden bench, surrounded by a sea of blooming irises. The delicate fragrance filled the air, carried by a gentle breeze.

A group of maids lingered nearby, whispering among themselves.

"That's the girl Mr. Henry brought here, isn't she?"

"Girl? Did he adopt her?"

The first maid smirked. "Mr. Henry doesn't just take in strays. Don't you think it's strange that she appeared out of nowhere?"

Another sighed. "She hasn't spoken to anyone since she arrived."

"Maybe she doesn't understand us?"

Evelyn remained still, her expression unreadable.

The wind rustled through the flowers, carrying secrets only she knew.