Chapter 68

"Explain what's happening at Viana Jewelry!" Richard's voice thundered across the office as he slammed the financial report onto his mahogany desk. "I entrusted you with this company to learn management. Where has all the capital disappeared to?"

The accounting director's urgent call had revealed staggering losses - $900,000 vanished from their accounts.

Nathan Goldmann's initial investment of $1.6 million had been nearly halved in just weeks.

Laura rushed to Vivian's defense, placing a protective hand on her daughter's shoulder. "Richard, how can you blame Zoe for this? She's completely inexperienced in jewelry business matters. This clearly wasn't her fault if someone took advantage."

"I expected her to learn!" Richard's face flushed with anger. Vivian clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms. The constant criticism was becoming unbearable.

Seeing her daughter's distress, Laura saw an opportunity. "If Vivian isn't suited for this role, why not recall Evelyn? She's our top designer. Viana would thrive under her leadership again."

"Isn't she still working there?" Richard frowned.

Laura's lips curled slightly. "Darling, Evelyn resigned the day of your argument about the shares."

Richard's eyebrows shot up, though the reason wasn't surprising.

"Evelyn went to work directly for Mr. Goldmann," Laura continued smoothly. "He established an entire new jewelry company just for her. Even Vivian never received such preferential treatment from her future brother-in-law."

Laura wouldn't miss this chance to separate Evelyn from Nathan. She needed that girl far away from the Goldmann heir.

Richard's expression darkened. "I'll speak with Evelyn."

Satisfaction glimmered in Laura's eyes. Once Evelyn returned, she'd make sure the girl and her illegitimate siblings disappeared for good.

Gregory entered after finishing a call in the hallway. "I've made contact. He's agreed to assist us. Don't worry - he's completely trustworthy."

Evelyn nodded decisively. "Send him my design drafts immediately."

Gregory hesitated. "But these were created for Soul Jewelry's brand launch. Why give them to Viana?"

A knowing smile played on Evelyn's lips. "Trust me, I have a plan."

Understanding dawned on Gregory's face. It was brilliant - she was setting Viana up for a plagiarism scandal. When Vivian's mismanagement became public, Richard and the board would turn on her.

After Gregory left, Evelyn organized her documents when realization struck.

Two days had passed - Nathan should have received the DNA test results by now.

She took the elevator to the administrative floor, checking her watch. According to his schedule, Nathan shouldn't be in his office at this hour.

The massive office stood empty when she entered after knocking received no response.

Evelyn approached his desk, carefully examining the organized chaos. In the top drawer, she found an opened envelope labeled 'DNA Analysis'.

Her fingers trembled slightly as she extracted the document. The page appeared blank except for one embossed line in gold foil: 'This office is under 24/7 video surveillance.'