Chapter 54

Had he figured it out?

No, she couldn't risk Laura and Vivian discovering the truth about Liam and Daisy!

"Zoe, are you okay?" Gregory's concerned voice snapped Evelyn out of her thoughts as he approached.

Evelyn turned with a forced smile. "I'm fine. Just give me a couple days to finalize the brand name. There's something urgent I need to handle."

"Of course." Gregory nodded understandingly.

As Evelyn stepped into the elevator, she collided with a tall figure exiting. Her breath hitched when she looked up.

Nathan seemed to be deliberately blocking her path. "Where are you rushing off to?"

"Business matters. Since when do you monitor my schedule?" Evelyn arched an eyebrow.

"Have you seen today's headlines?" His piercing gaze never left her face.

Evelyn's smile faltered slightly, though not enough for him to notice. "What headlines?"

Nathan wordlessly handed her his phone.

The photo showed him with Liam and Daisy at the park. Evelyn forced a light laugh. "Oh, those adorable kids?"

Nathan's jaw tightened. Her reaction only deepened his suspicions.

Returning the phone, Evelyn said briskly, "Excuse me, Mr. Goldmann. I have an appointment."

Nathan suddenly grabbed her wrist, pinning her against the marble wall. "What are you—"

"Why the sudden urgency?" His eyes searched hers intently, missing nothing. "Running somewhere?"

Evelyn clenched her fists. "We're business partners, not employer-employee. You don't control my movements."

Nathan leaned closer, his breath warm against her ear. "What if I want to?"

"You—"

"I merely asked where you're going. Why so defensive?" His lips curled. "Unless... those children mean something to you?"

Evelyn bit her lip hard. She'd nearly walked right into his trap!

Her phone rang. The caller ID made her lips curve triumphantly. "Your girlfriend is calling. I really must go."

Nathan's grip loosened as he saw Vivian's name flash on screen. Seizing the moment, Evelyn slipped into the elevator. "If you're worried about me meeting your precious Vivian, feel free to tag along."

The doors closed before he could respond. Only then did Evelyn exhale the breath she'd been holding.

That call had come at the perfect moment. A second later and everything might have unraveled.

Outside the Goldmann building, her phone rang again. "What?" Evelyn snapped.

"Evelyn, answer me properly!" Vivian's shrill voice demanded. "Are those brats yours?"

Evelyn's blood boiled at the insult. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

Vivian's voice turned venomous. "Don't play dumb. Do you have children or not?"

Though her mother insisted the children resembled Nathan, Vivian had never seen them herself - until today's photos. Now she was certain. Whether they were Evelyn's or not, she couldn't wait any longer to act.