Chapter 79

The moment the last piece came off, Caleb and Liam's eyes widened in shock.

"Why are ours so tiny?" Caleb pouted, comparing the sizes.

Liam shrugged. "Maybe we'll grow into them."

Nathan's eyelids fluttered as consciousness returned. The world came into focus with disjointed sounds - splashing water, childish giggles, and the squeak of rubber ducks. He found himself submerged in a bubble-filled bathtub, surrounded by floating yellow ducks.

Blinking against the light, he saw two identical boys arguing by the tub's edge.

"Caleb?" Nathan's voice came out hoarse.

The twins turned simultaneously, their matching blue eyes widening. Nathan's breath caught. The resemblance was uncanny - same tousled brown hair, same stubborn chin. Only the faint mole beneath Liam's left eye distinguished them.

"They're triplets," Nathan realized aloud. A wry smile touched his lips. "That woman's been playing quite the game."

"You're awake!" Caleb beamed.

Outside the bathroom door, Daisy's excited shout echoed through the house. "He's up!"

Liam quickly shoved her back. "No peeking!"

Nathan glanced down at his bare torso, grateful the children had been the ones to undress him. The memory of Vivian's betrayal still burned fresh. He'd underestimated her cunning.

"Where am I?" he asked, rubbing his temples.

"Our home!" Caleb announced proudly.

Nathan froze. Their home meant... His thoughts raced as Caleb produced a plush navy bathrobe. "We had Aunt Sophia's bodyguards get this for you. We don't keep men's clothes here."

"No men's clothes?" Nathan arched a brow, slipping into the robe.

Liam crossed his arms. "Just Caleb and me. We're Mommy's only men."

The confirmation struck Nathan like a physical blow. That night he'd overheard Evelyn on the phone - she'd been talking to her children. The realization sent equal parts fury and admiration through him.

Stepping into the living room, Nathan took in the cozy space. A grand piano dominated one corner, its shelves overflowing with trophies all engraved "Caleb Vanderbilt."

"Why did you bring me here?" Nathan studied the three expectant faces.

The children exchanged glances. Liam stepped forward boldly. "To see if you could be our dad."

Nathan's lips twitched. "What if I already am?"

Three mouths fell open in perfect synchrony. "You knew?!" Daisy gasped.

Nathan's jaw tightened. So Evelyn had kept this from him deliberately. His fingers curled into fists before small hands tugged at his sleeve.

"Please don't be mad at Mommy," Daisy whispered, eyes shimmering. "She stayed away because you were with that mean Vivian lady."

The plea deflated Nathan's anger. Kneeling, he smoothed Daisy's hair. "I won't be mad," he promised, though his mind already raced with plans. Evelyn Vanderbilt had some explaining to do.