Chapter 5

Evelyn stepped onto the balcony with her phone pressed to her ear. "Changed your mind, Director Goldmann? Or should I say... desperate now?"

Vivian's voice crackled with barely contained fury. "Don't push it, Evelyn. We're offering you a hundred and fifty million—consider it a privilege!"

Evelyn smirked, leaning against the railing. "Privilege? Sounds more like your problem, not mine." She twirled a strand of hair around her finger. "If this isn’t a genuine offer, save your breath."

"Wait!" Vivian’s tone turned icy. "You seem to have forgotten—I still have that video."

Evelyn’s grip on the phone tightened. The mention of the video sent a chill down her spine.

Silence stretched between them until Vivian let out a low laugh. "No witty comeback? Good. If you don’t want your little secret from six years ago splashed across every tabloid in Bassburgh, meet me tomorrow. My office. 9 AM."

Evelyn exhaled sharply. "Fine. I’ll be there."

She ended the call before Vivian could gloat further.

Behind her, tiny footsteps pattered away. Daisy rushed back inside, whispering to her brothers, "That witch threatened Mommy again!"

Liam cracked his knuckles. "Then we stick to the plan. Tomorrow, while Mommy’s out—we move."

Caleb nodded, fingers flying across his tablet. In seconds, he’d uploaded Daisy and Liam’s profiles to Young Faces, the elite children’s modeling division under Goldmann Enterprises.

Perfect.

If we get selected, we’ll be face-to-face with Nathan Goldmann himself.

Time to find out if he’s really our father.

The next morning, Evelyn strode into Viana Jewelry, her heels clicking against the marble floor. The secretary ushered her into Vivian’s office, where the woman lounged on a velvet sofa, sipping coffee.

Vivian smirked as the door shut behind them. "I wasn’t sure you’d show."

Evelyn crossed her arms. "You’ve got the video. Did I have a choice?"

A flicker of discomfort crossed Vivian’s face.

Not that I ever planned to leak it.

If Nathan found out the truth about that night...

But Evelyn doesn’t know it was him. And I intend to keep it that way.

Vivian stood, smoothing her skirt. "Let’s skip the theatrics. Sign this, and the money’s yours." She slid a contract across the desk.

Evelyn didn’t touch it. "Funny. You need me now."

"Need you?" Vivian scoffed. "Please. The only reason you’re here is because Nathan wants you."

"Ah, so he’s the one footing the bill." Evelyn tilted her head. "Six years, and you’re still clinging to him like a lifeline. Pathetic."

Vivian’s nails dug into her palms. "Sign. The. Contract."

Evelyn stepped closer, voice dropping to a whisper. "After what you did to me? Kneel. Apologize. Then we’ll talk."

Vivian’s hand flew up—but Evelyn caught her wrist mid-swing. "Still hitting first, asking questions never?"

"Listen, you little—"

SMACK.

Evelyn’s palm connected with Vivian’s cheek, the sound echoing through the room.

Vivian staggered, eyes blazing. "You b—"

"Does Miss Zara always conduct business this way?"

A deep voice cut through the tension.

Nathan stood in the doorway, his expression unreadable.

Evelyn’s pulse spiked. Of course he’d show up now.

Vivian instantly melted into faux distress. "Nathan, don’t blame her! I—I must’ve upset her somehow..."

Nathan ignored her, his gaze locked on Evelyn. "Threatening my employees now?"

Evelyn met his stare. "Self-defense isn’t a threat."

His jaw tightened. "Sign the contract. Or I’ll ensure no designer in Luxe touches you."

She laughed coldly. "You need me. Yet you let your lapdog slap me yesterday. And now I’m the villain?"

Nathan stepped closer, voice low. "Apologize."

"For what? Returning the favor?" Evelyn spread her hands. "Should I also apologize to every scammer who ever robbed me?"

His eyes darkened. "Enough excuses."

Evelyn turned on her heel. "Then we’re done here."

She barely made it two steps before Nathan grabbed her arm, yanking her toward the stairwell.

"Let go!" She twisted, but his grip was iron.

He leaned down, breath hot against her ear. "You will apologize."

Evelyn glared up at him. "Or what?"

His lips curved—a predator’s smile. "Try me."