Chapter 71

Evelyn walked out of the hospital room without a backward glance.

Vivian rushed after her, catching up at the elevator bank. "Evelyn Vanderbilt! Stop right there!"

Turning sharply, Evelyn's eyes burned crimson. "Why should I? Because your pathetic attempt to manipulate me failed, you dragged our father to Goldmann Group to beg me to return to Viana?"

'And now he's lying unconscious in that hospital bed. This is all her fault.'

Vivian's jaw clenched with barely contained rage. "Father insisted on coming to reason with you himself. You're the one who provoked him into collapsing!"

"Evelyn, to Father, Nathan and I belong together. Do the smart thing and resign from Goldmann Group. Or I'll make sure those two little bastards of yours—Ugh!"

Evelyn's hand shot out, slamming Vivian against the wall by her throat. Her gaze turned arctic. "Try it. I dare you."

"You think I won't? Go ahead—strangle me right here!" Vivian's lips twisted into a vicious smirk.

"Death would be too merciful." Evelyn leaned in until their noses almost touched, her smile chilling. "I want to watch you drown in despair. Six years ago. My children. You'll pay for everything. And I won't make you wait long."

She flung Vivian to the floor, looking down at her with icy contempt. "Pray Viana Jewelry survives bankruptcy. Let's see how long Father protects his useless bastard daughter then."

The elevator doors closed behind Evelyn's retreating figure.

Vivian trembled with impotent rage, her hatred for Evelyn burning like acid in her veins.

'How dare she act so superior! Those brats are her only leverage. Once they're gone, she'll crawl at my feet!'

Outside the hospital, Evelyn pressed fingers to her throbbing temple. Only now did the pain register.

Spotting Nathan emerging from his car, she immediately turned away.

He caught her wrist in one swift motion. "Running away?"

"Mr. Goldmann, didn't you get exactly what you wanted today?" Evelyn tried wrenching free. "The performance is over."

"Over?" Nathan spun her around, gripping her chin. "You came to my office for the DNA results. Shall I tell you what they say?"

Evelyn's expression flickered briefly before smoothing into indifference. "Irrelevant. Even if they're biologically yours, they'll never—"

"You were that woman six years ago." Nathan's voice dropped to a dangerous whisper, his piercing gaze locking onto hers.

'My children bear the Vanderbilt name. The woman that night wasn't Vivian. Only one possibility remains—Evelyn Vanderbilt.'

'Her words about being the victim that night... they align perfectly with my investigation.'

Evelyn met his scorching stare for a long moment before finally speaking. "No."

Nathan's jaw tightened, storm clouds gathering in his eyes. "Do you know the consequences of lying to me?"

"Deny it now if you wish. But when I have proof, you'll answer for these lies." His thumb brushed her lower lip. "Never forget—those children are mine too."

Evelyn's fists clenched at her sides. "Is this a threat, Nathan?"

His silence was answer enough.

'Would threats even work? This woman yields to nothing. Except perhaps... for those children.'