Chapter 498

Nathan's piercing gaze lingered on Oliver for what felt like an eternity before his lips twisted into a bitter smirk. The irony wasn't lost on him.

"All these years by my side," he said, voice dripping with sarcasm, "yet you conspired with my grandfather behind my back."

The truth was crystal clear now. Theodore Goldmann had orchestrated the divorce announcement. The old man had even manipulated Oliver into forcing Evelyn to sign those damned papers. Nathan knew Oliver would never have kept this from him without his grandfather's direct orders.

But how could his most trusted ally stand with Theodore on something this monumental?

"Mr. Goldmann," Oliver began carefully, "the Elder Master only acted in your best interest."

"My best interest?" Nathan barked a humorless laugh, his voice cracking. "Because of me, she lost our child. His 'good intentions' have left me with a debt I can never repay."

The unborn child he'd never known about. The truth that had been hidden from him for years. How was he supposed to face this? To make amends?

A violent cough wracked his body, crimson droplets staining his palm.

Oliver's face drained of color. "Mr. Goldmann!"

Meanwhile, Sadie glanced through the rearview mirror, noting the profound sorrow shadowing Evelyn's usually vibrant eyes. "Are you alright, Ms. Vanderbilt?"

"I'm fine." Evelyn's response was automatic, her gaze fixed on the passing scenery, face an unreadable mask. Sadie knew better than to press further.

Evelyn's fingers twisted together in her lap. The memories from three years ago played like a relentless film reel behind her eyelids.

She didn't hate Nathan. Not truly. But that single moment had cost her everything - her father, Chloe, their child. That was a price too steep to forgive.

As she'd told him, there was no reason for hatred. Nathan had merely been forcing her hand in the divorce.

Her love for him remained, tangled with resentment for his cruelty. She couldn't let go, yet couldn't bring herself to forgive.

When the car pulled into Easton Estate, Evelyn stepped out to find the head housekeeper rushing toward her. "Ms. Vanderbilt, the prince's envoy is waiting in the grand hall."

Evelyn's eyes narrowed. So Prince Roger hadn't abandoned his territorial ambitions. Accepting the Venetian mask Sadie handed her, she smoothed her expression. "Then we shouldn't keep them waiting."

The grand hall's opulence couldn't mask the tension as Evelyn entered. A sharply dressed Stoslo diplomat rose from the velvet settee, flanked by two stone-faced bodyguards.

"Ms. Vanderbilt, I presume?" The man's smile didn't reach his eyes. "Sean Patterson, representing His Highness Prince Roger."

Evelyn inclined her head, taking the opposing seat. "Mr. Patterson. To what do I owe this... unexpected visit?"

As the diplomat sat, his guards produced a silver briefcase, snapping it open to reveal stacks of crisp bills. Evelyn's brow arched. "What's this?"

"His Highness wishes to purchase the territory currently under your stewardship," Sean explained smoothly. "Name your price if this seems... insufficient."

Evelyn's fingers twitched against the armrest.

The audacity. Attempting to seize the de Arma lands while her grandfather was absent. When Metropolis already controlled the region, this "purchase" was nothing but a thinly veiled power grab.

Leaning back, Evelyn adopted an apologetic smile. "The offer is... generous, Mr. Patterson. But I find myself rather... financially secure at present."

"Ms. Vanderbilt," Sean's tone turned diplomatic, "Stoslo and Morwich have enjoyed generations of alliance. His Highness wishes to preserve that. Metropolis' interference jeopardizes our mutual interests."