Chapter 8

"Mommy said we can only tell people her name is Her Royal Highness if anyone asks."

Daisy giggled mischievously.

Liam remained stoic, but a tiny smirk tugged at his lips before he schooled his expression.

'These two are absolute treasures. What kind of mother teaches them these things?'

Nathan's gaze lingered on Liam, the boy who mirrored his features so perfectly.

If Vivian hadn't been the only woman he'd been with, he might have questioned if these children were truly his.

Daisy checked her tiny wristwatch dramatically. "Mr. Handsome, we have to go now. Her Royal Highness will worry if we're late."

Nathan set her down and turned to Oliver. "Take them home."

Oliver blinked, then nodded. "Right away, sir."

"Bye, Mr. Handsome!" Daisy waved enthusiastically, grabbing Liam's hand as they followed Oliver out.

The moment they stepped outside, she triumphantly showed Liam a single strand of hair tucked in her palm.

Tugging Oliver's sleeve, Daisy put on her best pleading face. "Sir, our mommy is sick in the hospital. Can you take us there?"

Oliver softened instantly. 'Such thoughtful kids.'

"Of course. Hop in."

At Seaview Villa

Evelyn arrived home to find Caleb alone at the piano. She glanced around. "Where are Daisy and Liam?"

Caleb didn’t miss a note. "They went to audition as child models. Aunt Sophia went with them."

Evelyn dropped her bag on the sofa, stunned. "Child models?"

"Yeah. They said you work too hard, so they want to help."

She ruffled his hair affectionately. Caleb scowled. "Mom, stop."

"Oh, is the little maestro grumpy?"

"Hmph!" He puffed his cheeks.

Evelyn sighed. "Sweetheart, you don’t need to worry about money. Mommy can take care of all three of you."

Caleb’s fingers stilled on the keys. "But you do work too much. And guess what? I got into the Royal Academy of Music. I’ve saved enough for tuition."

He lifted his chin proudly. "Once I win a scholarship, we’ll send Liam and Daisy to the best schools. You can just... relax."

Tears welled in Evelyn’s eyes. "My little prodigy, already planning for his siblings."

She’d discovered Caleb’s talent late, and prestigious schools had clamored to enroll him. But she’d hesitated—he was so young.

Now, at five, his passion was undeniable. She couldn’t hold him back.

"Mommy, we’re home!" Daisy burst in, Liam trailing behind.

Evelyn swept them into a hug. "Caleb told me about the audition?"

Daisy beamed. "We got picked! Aren’t we awesome?"

Evelyn kissed their cheeks. "The most awesome. Now, who’s hungry?"

No matter how heavy her heart, these three always lightened it.

The moment Evelyn disappeared into the kitchen, the kids huddled.

"Well?" Caleb whispered.

Liam nodded. "Sample’s at the lab. Results in two days."

Daisy grinned. "Piece of cake."

Vanderbilt Manor

"What? Zara is that witch Evelyn?" Laura’s face twisted with rage.

'Not only is she back, but she’s also the legendary designer Zara? The one Nathan hired to save Viana Jewelry?

And Vivian stole her place as the woman from that night! If Evelyn finds out Nathan’s the father...'

Vivian wrung her hands. "Mother, what do I do?"

Laura smirked. "So what if she’s Zara? You have Nathan. She wouldn’t dare make a scene."

Her voice dropped to a hiss. "But you must secure him. Get pregnant. Now."

Vivian flushed. "He hasn’t even touched me in six years!"

Laura rolled her eyes. "Must I spell it out? Seduce him. Men can’t resist temptation."

A slow, calculating smile spread across Vivian’s face. "I understand, Mother."