Chapter 70

Vivian was consumed by raging jealousy!

"Nathan!"

Nathan slowly released Evelyn, his expression darkening. So that's why she had kissed him back.

He turned to glare at Vivian. "What are you doing here?"

Evelyn wiped her smudged lipstick from her lips, the smeared crimson making her look deliciously provocative. She gripped Nathan's collar, arching an eyebrow with a smirk. "You could use more practice with your kissing technique."

Nathan's face darkened further. Was she mocking him?

Evelyn moved to leave but froze when Richard suddenly appeared behind Vivian.

Richard paled at the sight of his disheveled daughter in a room with Nathan, whose lip was bleeding from their passionate exchange.

"Evelyn, how... how could you—" Richard's rage overwhelmed him, causing him to collapse onto the floor.

"Dad!"

Seeing Vivian rush to her father's side, Evelyn found her feet rooted to the spot.

Leaning against the hospital corridor wall, Evelyn looked utterly lost.

She'd admit she'd lost control because of Nathan's actions. She'd wanted to provoke Vivian deliberately, but she never expected her father to witness it.

"Evelyn, your father is asking for you."

Laura emerged to summon her.

Evelyn lifted her head and entered the room where Vivian was playing the perfect daughter by Richard's bedside.

Richard's expression twisted upon seeing her. "You disgraceful girl, kneel!"

"Are you sure you want me to kneel?" Evelyn remained unmoving.

Richard grabbed a cup from the bedside table and hurled it at her, striking her squarely on the forehead.

Evelyn staggered momentarily before steadying herself.

Richard turned away. "You know what you've done. You knew Vivian was with Nathan, yet you— I'm so disappointed."

"When have you ever not been disappointed in me?" The physical pain barely registered through her numbness. "I'm accustomed to your disappointment. One more time makes no difference."

"Evelyn, can't you show even a shred of remorse?"

"Who here truly deserves to feel remorse?" Her pointed words were aimed at Laura. A truly remorseful woman wouldn't have entangled herself with a married man.

"At least I didn't climb into Nathan's bed."

"Mr. Vanderbilt, I fail to see how my actions were wrong. When someone frames me, I return the favor tenfold. Today's events were nothing." Evelyn's icy gaze shifted to Vivian, who flinched.

Vivian lowered her head, jaw clenched. No, she wouldn't surrender so easily.

"Zoe, Father just wants you to return to Viana."

"You've forfeited the right to speak."

Vivian blanched at Evelyn's sharp retort.

Richard took a steadying breath. "Zoe, if you want Viana's shares, I'll give them to you. Enough games."

Evelyn burst into bitter laughter. "You choose to return Viana when it's become an empty shell? So I can clean up after your bastard daughter's mess?"

"Evelyn! Have you lost all decency? Vivian is your sister!"

"My mother only bore one daughter." Evelyn turned to leave but paused at the doorway. "Remember what I said—I'm no longer a Vanderbilt. Since you adore this daughter of yours, cherish her well."