Chapter 58

Evelyn's steps slowed as a deep frown creased her forehead. Nathan had publicly announced the paternity test?

She turned toward the group of employees gathered near the elevator. Engrossed in their heated discussion, they hadn't noticed her approach. "Is this true? You shouldn't spread rumors."

"Oliver confirmed it himself. Why would he lie?"

"But why would Mr. Goldmann travel all the way to Cornelia for testing? Doesn't Bassburgh have its own Bureau of Justice?"

Evelyn froze, her hands curling into tight fists.

What was happening? Did he doubt the authenticity of the original report?

Joel had been meticulous. Nathan should have accepted the negative results at face value.

If he was truly pursuing another test in Cornelia, she needed to act fast. Her fingers hovered over her phone screen. Should she send someone to intercept the results?

Wait. Evelyn's breath caught. Nathan making this public was suspicious.

He'd already conducted one test. If he suspected tampering, this could be a trap. Sending someone would be walking right into his hands.

She forced a smile as a male colleague approached. "Excuse me, my phone died. Could I borrow yours to send one quick text?"

The man hesitated only a moment before handing over his device. "Of course."

"Thank you." Evelyn quickly composed a message to Laura from his contacts, then immediately deleted the thread.

Returning the phone, she gave a conspiratorial wink. "Just sending my cheating ex a piece of my mind. Feel free to ignore any replies."

At Vanderbilt Manor...

Laura hummed as she prepared a healthy meal in the kitchen. With pregnancy on the horizon, she needed to maintain perfect health to secure the Vanderbilt fortune for her future grandson.

Her phone vibrated with an unknown number. Lowering the flame, she read the message and nearly dropped her spatula.

Nathan Goldmann was conducting another paternity test in Cornelia? Did he actually believe those brats were his?

This couldn't be happening. She needed to warn Vivian immediately!

"Vivian, come home at once! We have an emergency!"

"Mr. Goldmann, the entire company is buzzing about the news. I believe word has spread as intended."

"Did she hear?"

Oliver blinked. Was 'she' referring to Ms. Vanderbilt? "Most likely. The topic dominates every conversation."

Nathan neatly stacked his documents. Evelyn must have heard by now. The question remained - what would she do about it?

On the sixteenth floor...

"Zoe, I've secured authorization for your official jewelry website. Once processed, we should see immediate traction. Have you decided on a brand name?" Gregory asked.

Evelyn tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Let's call it..."