Chapter 6

Evelyn let out a derisive laugh, her fiery gaze locking onto Nathan. "Not in this lifetime."

Nathan hadn't anticipated this. The woman wasn’t just audacious—she was downright obstinate. His jaw tightened. "If you refuse, the name Zara will vanish from the fashion and jewelry industry by dawn."

He hadn’t intended to push her this far, but Vivian had saved his life six years ago. Without her, he would’ve been trapped in a deadly scheme that night.

Though he felt no romantic attachment to Vivian, he’d kept her close all these years, indulging her every material whim without question.

Viana Jewelry had been struggling lately, which was why he’d shelled out $150 million to secure Zara’s services on Vivian’s behalf.

He knew Vivian had provoked Evelyn first, and he’d planned to make her apologize in private.

But no woman would lay a hand on Vivian in his presence.

Evelyn’s wrist throbbed where he gripped her, the pain sharp enough to make her wince. Yet she refused to let a single tear fall in front of him. "I did nothing wrong. I won’t apologize."

Nathan’s lips curled into a cold smirk. "The Goldmanns control the business world. With a word, not only will your reputation burn in Zlokova, but Stoslo will forget Zara ever existed. Still feeling stubborn?"

The Goldmanns…

Evelyn’s teeth clenched.

So that’s his leverage.

She wasn’t afraid of being blacklisted—but her children still needed to attend school in Bassburgh. And she would reclaim her mother’s legacy, Viana Jewelry.

For the bigger picture, I’ll swallow this humiliation.

"Let go of me first."

Nathan released her, his piercing gaze unwavering. "Choose wisely."

Evelyn arched a brow. "Fine. An apology it is."

She strode back into the office, stopping in front of Vivian. Her crimson lips parted, the words dripping with icy precision. "My apologies."

Vivian blinked, stunned. She hadn’t expected Evelyn to cave—but Nathan must have intervened.

Suppressing her smug satisfaction, Vivian offered a saccharine smile. "It’s alright. About the contract—"

Evelyn snatched the pen and signed without hesitation, her lips curving in a smirk no one noticed.

Forced back into Viana Jewelry without resistance? Perfect.

Now, I’ll show them what happens when you invite a viper into your home.

She dropped the pen and walked out, leaving silence in her wake.

Nathan approached the desk, scanning the contract before setting it down. Vivian sidled up to him, batting her lashes. "Nathan, thank you."

His voice was flat. "Stay away from her."

Then he was gone, his assistant trailing behind.

Vivian snatched up the contract, triumph gleaming in her eyes. "Evelyn Vanderbilt, you’ll still lose in the end."

Outside, a Maybach idled at the curb. Oliver Lawson, Nathan’s assistant, held the door open.

Nathan slid inside. "The files I requested?"

Oliver handed him a tablet. "Everything’s here, sir."

Nathan scrolled through the documents—until Evelyn Vanderbilt caught his eye.

Her ID address matched the Vanderbilts’ current residence.

His expression darkened.

At the Blackgold Group…

Daisy and Liam stood outside the towering skyscraper, craning their necks to take in the gleaming structure—the crown jewel of Bassburgh’s corporate empire.

Inside, the lobby buzzed with impeccably dressed professionals. Some carried stacks of files, others conversed fluently in foreign languages with clients.

Amid the chaos, two tiny figures drew curious glances.

A receptionist spotted them and crouched down with a warm smile. "Hello, sweethearts! Who are you looking for?"

Daisy pulled a neatly folded paper from her duck-shaped backpack. "We’re here for the Young Faces audition. The man outside said to come in."

The receptionist nearly melted at her cherubic voice. "Did your parents bring you?"

Liam shook his head. "Mommy’s busy. We can handle it."

"Oh, you precious things! Come with me."

"Thank you, pretty lady!" they chorused, bowing in unison.

She led them to the studio, where racks of designer children’s clothes and professional photography equipment filled the space. A line of kids waited their turn, parents hovering anxiously.

A stern woman in a tailored suit—Natalie Daniell, the brand director—scowled at the latest test shots. "This is unacceptable! I need photogenic children, not deer in headlights!"

The receptionist cleared her throat. "Ma’am, these two—"

Natalie whirled around—and froze.

Her eyes widened as they landed on Daisy and Liam.

These children…

They look exactly like Nathan Goldmann.