Chapter 56

"Considering Mr. Goldmann's position, it would be highly unusual if he actually collaborated with Vivian to set you up six years ago."

Sophia's words left Evelyn speechless. She continued, "Besides, if he knew about what happened back then, wouldn't he have realized Caleb, Liam, and Daisy are his children? He wouldn’t have needed a paternity test."

Evelyn lowered her gaze. "I get your point. He probably wouldn’t stoop to working with Vivian, but he’s still her boyfriend. I want nothing to do with anything involving her."

Sophia’s lips twitched in amusement. Evelyn was just being stubborn now.

Then, Sophia’s eyes lit up with an idea. "What about my cousin? Seeing how much he adores Liam and Daisy, I’m sure he’d be thrilled."

"Seriously? You’re dragging Adrian into this?" His fans would riot if they heard that.

Sophia burst into laughter, her shoulders shaking.

"Don’t you dare tell Caleb and the others about today. If you spill a single word, I’ll make sure you regret it!"

Sophia waved her off. "No way! My lips are sealed, I promise!"

"This involves the kids. No one can know. Vivian already suspects me, and I wouldn’t put it past her to target Daisy and Liam."

"What?!" Sophia’s expression darkened. "Should I ask Adrian to keep an eye out?"

Noticing Evelyn’s hesitation, she pressed a hand to her chest. "If you don’t trust me, at least trust him, right?"

Evelyn grabbed her bag and stood. "Then thank him for me."

That evening at Beach Villas...

The three troublemakers sat in the corner, heads bowed in reflection. Evelyn lounged on the couch, arms crossed. "Think hard about what you did wrong, or no dinner tonight."

Daisy turned, her big eyes pleading. "Mommy, that man just wanted to buy Liam and me some food."

"And you sold me out for a meal?" Evelyn arched a brow. "What’s next? Trading me for lobsters?"

Daisy pouted. They had gotten lobsters...

"What did I say about strangers? If you get kidnapped one day, don’t come crying to me."

"Mommy, we’re not dumb enough to get kidnapped," Caleb muttered.

"Stand up straight."

The trio snapped to attention, exchanging glances. They knew their mom had seen the news—their secret meet-up with their father had been exposed. No wonder she was furious.

The fact that he was dating the woman she despised most? That sealed his fate.

Unless they got rid of that witch, their mom would never accept him.

A sly grin spread across Caleb’s face. He nudged Daisy, whispering a plan. Her eyes sparkled.

Suddenly, Daisy burst into tears. "Mommy, that man smelled like Daddy! We just wanted to know what having a dad felt like!"

She crumpled to the floor, sobbing dramatically.

Evelyn froze. Her heart clenched at Daisy’s tear-streaked face.

She stood, fighting the urge to scoop her up. Instead, she frowned. "Daisy, I know you want a father, but that man isn’t—"