Chapter 74

Frederick Fuller, the senior designer at Hailey & Co. Jewelry, stood before Vivian Vanderbilt with a confident smile. Knowing that Vivian was Nathan Goldmann's girlfriend made this meeting even more satisfying.

The entire city of Bassburgh knew about Nathan's relationship status. Hailey & Co. was a prestigious name in the industry, and Vivian couldn't help but imagine her father's impressed expression when Viana Jewelry secured this collaboration.

After ten minutes of discussion, Frederick slid several sketches across the table. "These represent my latest collection - 'The Radiance of Eternity.' It's my first attempt at blending retro Gothic elements with contemporary design language."

Vivian's eyes widened as she examined the intricate drawings.

'If only Viana had designs like these earlier, we wouldn't be struggling so much! Evelyn could never produce anything this exquisite. Frederick's talent completely overshadows hers!'

Later that afternoon, Vivian presented the signed contract to her father, Richard Vanderbilt.

Richard's face lit up with pride when he realized his daughter had secured Hailey & Co.'s top designer. "Vivian, my dear, you never cease to amaze me. I knew I could count on you."

Vivian wrapped her arms around her father's arm affectionately. "It's nothing special, Father. I'm just doing my part for the Vanderbilts and Viana."

"You've always been the responsible one." Richard sighed, his thoughts drifting to his other daughter, Evelyn.

It wasn't that he didn't love Evelyn. But her continuous disappointments had worn him down. Six years ago, he'd hoped sending her away would teach her humility. Instead, she'd returned more cunning than ever.

"Speaking of which," Richard hesitated, "how are things progressing with Mr. Goldmann?"

Vivian's smile faltered. "Father... I'm afraid I've failed you in this matter. Nathan seems to prefer Evelyn's company."

Richard's expression darkened. "Are you telling me Mr. Goldmann chose Evelyn over you?"

Vivian lowered her eyes dramatically. "They've been... involved for quite some time. Evelyn made me promise not to tell anyone. She... she's even borne his children."

"What?!" Richard's voice thundered through the study.

'How could my own daughter sink to such disgraceful behavior!'

"Father, please don't blame Zoe," Vivian whispered, using Evelyn's childhood nickname. "Perhaps it's my fault for being the illegitimate one."

"Don't say that!" Richard grasped her shoulders firmly. "There's no such thing as illegitimate in this household. You're a Vanderbilt as much as anyone, and I won't have you thinking otherwise!"

His mind raced with anger. 'If Evelyn truly bore Mr. Goldmann's children behind Vivian's back, this betrayal is unforgivable!'

Meanwhile, at ckgold Group headquarters...

Oliver Lawson approached Nathan's desk with a sealed envelope. "Mr. Goldmann, we've recovered the surveillance footage from Empyrean Hotel that night."

Nathan examined the documents carefully. The timestamp showed that fateful evening six years ago. The woman clinging to Vivian looked hauntingly familiar.

Flipping to the next page, Nathan froze. The profile shot clearly showed Evelyn Vanderbilt's features.

The final image captured Vivian leaving the room alone.

Now everything made sense. Evelyn had been the one in that hotel room all along.

This explained why he'd only encountered Vivian when he went searching later - Evelyn had already been banished from the Vanderbilt estate by then.