Chapter 485

Sophia was about to leave when Oliver suddenly spoke. "Mr. Goldmann has his reasons."

She paused mid-step and turned back, but Oliver had already disappeared into the house. Inside the study, Nathan stood by the window, lost in thought. The air around him turned icy, a chill so palpable Oliver felt it the moment he reached the door.

"Mr. Goldmann, Ms. Hill has left," Oliver announced.

Nathan gave a slight nod, his focus unbroken.

Oliver hesitated, frowning when Nathan didn’t inquire further. "Aren’t you going to ask why she came?"

Nathan’s expression remained unreadable, but his fingers tightened into a fist on his thigh, his gaze cold. "It doesn’t matter anymore."

Oliver studied him but said nothing. The lie was obvious. Anyone could see how much Evelyn meant to him—how she was the one person he cherished above all else.

If it truly didn’t matter, he wouldn’t have spent the last three years digging into her past, scouring the world for any trace of her. He wouldn’t have sent operatives to Morwich.

The truth was, Nathan hadn’t gone looking for her himself because he feared what he might do if they met face-to-face.

Just then, Oliver’s phone rang. His expression shifted as he listened. "You’re certain?"

The confirmation came through, and Nathan finally turned his attention to him. "What is it?"

Oliver lowered the phone. "It’s the de Armas. Something’s happened."

Nathan closed the file in front of him, his brow furrowing. "Details."

Oliver relayed the report. "Our intel confirms Harrison was ambushed. He’s missing. Roger’s faction is already moving to seize control of the de Armas estate. It appears he’s backing the Kents."

Ever since Harrison had uncovered the conspiracy and manipulation behind Evelyn’s disappearance, he had been locked in a brutal power struggle with the Kents. The feud between the two noble houses had turned Stoslo into a battleground.

Harrison had been systematically dismantling the Kents’ influence. But as key allies of Prince Reginald, their downfall would weaken his standing within the royal court.

Now, with the election looming, Reginald was desperate. If the de Armas fell, the Goldmanns would lose a critical ally—and Stoslo’s political landscape would shift irreversibly.

Nathan’s lips pressed into a thin line. "The Stoslo election is this year, isn’t it?"

Oliver nodded. "Yes. Are you thinking—?"

Nathan’s eyes darkened. He could see Reginald’s play clearly now. "His preferred candidate needs the de Armas’ vote. If Harrison is… unavailable, and someone else takes his place?"

Oliver’s breath caught. If that happened, Reginald would effectively control the government. Stoslo would be at his mercy.

Nathan turned back to the window, his gaze distant but resolute. "Book me a flight to Stoslo."

Oliver stiffened. "But your condition—"

Nathan tapped the desk once, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Do it."

With a reluctant nod, Oliver left. The moment the door closed, Nathan exhaled, his reflection in the glass looking more like a ghost than a man.

Meanwhile, in Morwich…

Night had fallen over Saint Page. The Hanns Place stood like a black pearl amidst the city’s glittering expanse, its windows glowing from within.

In the brightly lit study, Sebastian requested Evelyn’s presence.

She entered, her voice steady. "You wanted to see me, Father?"