Chapter 77

Daisy crossed her arms with an exaggerated pout. "How could you keep secrets from us? Hmph!"

Liam stood frozen, at a loss for words.

Sophia raised a finger to her lips, glancing around nervously. "It wasn't intentional! If your mother found out, do you think she'd go easy on me?"

Caleb nodded slowly. 'Mom would definitely make her life difficult.'

"Don't worry," Daisy chirped, bouncing on her toes. "You've been super nice to us. We won't let Mommy hurt you."

"Did Mother specifically forbid us from knowing?" Liam's voice remained calm but carried an edge of curiosity.

Sophia gave a tight nod. "Your mother had her reasons. You know about Mr. Goldmann and Vivian." She lowered her voice further. "Truth is, your mother's pushing Nathan away because of that woman."

Three heads bobbed in understanding. They'd suspected as much.

'Mom can't accept Dad because of her.'

Which meant they needed to bring their father home before their mother officially kicked him out.

Caleb's smartwatch buzzed against his wrist. He rolled up his sleeve to check the screen. The coordinates flashed brightly - their target was dangerously close!

When they'd first obtained their father's number, Caleb had secretly activated a tracker. Now it showed Nathan was in this very restaurant!

"Daddy's here," Caleb whispered urgently to Liam. "I'm going to check it out." He stood abruptly. "I need to use the restroom."

"Don't wander off!" Liam warned.

Caleb slipped away, following the blinking dot on his watch.

In the VIP lounge...

"I'm sorry, Nathan, but it wasn't my idea! You know how my mother always pushed us together. She just... made a mistake."

"Still blaming others?" Nathan's voice could have frozen hell. "This isn't your first lie, Vivian. I think you've made it a habit."

Vivian paled, her lips trembling.

"The woman from six years ago was Evelyn, not you, correct?" Nathan's accusation turned her blood to ice. He knew.

That bitch must have told him!

"Nathan, I—"

Nathan stood, cutting her off. "I've heard enough. Vivian, I've given you more than you deserved these past six years. Be grateful. Don't contact me again."

Vivian's grip tightened around her silverware until her knuckles turned white.

As Nathan moved to leave, sudden dizziness overwhelmed him. His vision swam as he braced against the table. The half-finished coffee... the waiter had brought it specially.

"Nathan, what's wrong?"

Vivian knew the drugs were taking effect. She rose to steady him, but Nathan shoved her away violently.

"You dare drug me?!"

"Because I love you!" Vivian's voice broke. "Six years by your side and you've never touched me!"

She couldn't hold back anymore. She would have him tonight.

Watching Nathan collapse onto the couch, a thrill ran through her. The specially imported aphrodisiac worked faster than expected.

With trembling fingers, she peeled off her dress and climbed atop him. "Nathan, if you want children, I'll give you a dozen. Once I'm carrying your heir, you'll have to marry me!" Her lips descended toward his.