Chapter 49

The thought struck me suddenly—doesn’t Sophia Hill know Evelyn Vanderbilt? When I had sent Evelyn home that day, she had been staying at the beach villa. Could she possibly know the children?

Oliver was deep in thought when Nathan abruptly stood and walked out.

Startled, Oliver quickly followed. "Mr. Goldmann, where are you going?"

"To the 16th floor."

"Uncle Gregory, you can start here tomorrow. I’ve already informed all the employees that Viana Jewelry has let go."

Evelyn was standing by the window, phone pressed to her ear, a faint smile playing on her lips as she responded to Gregory. "Alright, don’t worry. Everything’s been arranged."

After ending the call, she held her phone loosely, lost in thought. Tomorrow, when they arrived, it would be time to officially launch the new jewelry brand. She turned—and nearly gasped when she found Nathan standing right behind her.

"Mr. Goldmann, you—"

Before she could finish, Nathan closed the distance between them, backing her against the window. His gaze was steady, unnervingly calm. "Do you have children?"

Evelyn froze, suspicion flickering in her eyes. "What does that have to do with you?" She tried to step away.

Nathan blocked her effortlessly. "Answer the question."

Her expression darkened. Why was he suddenly asking this? Had he—figured something out?

"I’m not even married. Why would I have children? If there’s nothing else, I’d appreciate it if you left."

"Who are Liam and Daisy Vanderbilt to you?" His eyes bore into hers, searching for any flicker of reaction.

A shiver ran down her spine. Her gaze dropped.

How did he know about Liam and Daisy?

Nathan braced a hand against the window behind her, leaning in. "Answer me."

She forced herself to meet his eyes, though cold sweat prickled at the back of her neck. "They’re not related to me."

"Should I go ask your friend Sophia instead?"

Evelyn nearly choked on a laugh. She gritted her teeth, forcing a smile. "Go ahead. I was wondering why you came to me first. What makes you think I have children?"

She had to stay calm. Any sign of panic would confirm his suspicions.

Nathan studied her for a long moment, doubt still lingering.

Sophia knew those children, and they were both Vanderbilts. The woman who had spent that night with him six years ago was Vivian.

If Vivian had been pregnant, the children would be around their age. But what unsettled him most was that Evelyn had been cast out of the family back then.

He had never suspected Vivian—until those two children appeared. Now, he had to re-examine everything from six years ago. Even his father believed the children were his.

Perhaps he needed to reopen the investigation into that night.

Evelyn arched a brow, scoffing. "You’re acting strange. If you want children, just ask Vivian for them."

Nathan’s jaw tightened.

"You think they’re connected to me just because they’re Vanderbilts? Why not suspect Vivian instead?" Her smile was hollow.

"I know it wasn’t her."

"Too bad, then. I don’t have children. Stop testing me."

"For your sake, I hope they’re not connected to you. And I hope you weren’t the woman from six years ago." His fingers brushed her chin, tilting it up. "Because if you were, you won’t survive the consequences."

The moment Nathan left, Evelyn clenched her fists, her forehead damp with sweat.