Chapter 85

The thought gnawed at me.

A man like Nathan Goldmann—wealthy, powerful, and dangerously magnetic—could never settle for an ordinary life.

Even if he believed Vivian was the woman from six years ago, something must have gone terribly wrong between them.

I refused to be tangled with a man Vivian had already touched. Never.

At the Vanderbilt Manor

The sharp crack of skin against skin echoed through the grand hall.

Richard Vanderbilt’s palm struck Vivian’s cheek with brutal force.

Laura gasped, rushing forward to pull him back. "Richard! What are you doing?!"

His face twisted in fury. "Ask her yourself! She dared to drug Nathan Goldmann! Do you think I can just let this slide without consequences?"

Laura paled, turning to Vivian. "Vivian… you didn’t—"

Vivian clutched her stinging cheek, lips pressed into a thin, defiant line.

Damn it. I was so close! Who ruined everything?

This can’t be happening!

"Vivian—"

"Don’t touch me!" Vivian shoved Laura away, eyes blazing. "This is all Evelyn’s fault! That bitch stole Nathan from me! He was supposed to be mine!"

Laura’s face drained of color. She tried to stop Richard, but it was too late.

Another slap landed, sending Vivian crashing to the floor.

"Say that again!" Richard snarled.

Tears welled in Vivian’s eyes, her voice trembling with rage. "I won’t take it back! Evelyn took what was rightfully mine!"

Richard raised his hand again, but Vivian screamed, "Go ahead! Beat me to death! I’m just the illegitimate daughter, right? Everyone can step on me as they please!"

She scrambled to her feet and bolted upstairs, slamming her bedroom door shut.

"Vivian!" Laura pounded on the door, panic rising.

No response.

With a desperate shove, she forced the door open.

The bedroom was empty.

Her heart stopped.

Then—the bathroom.

Laura’s scream pierced the air.

Vivian had slit her wrists.

At the Goldmann Offices

The screen flickered with the furious face of Nathan’s father.

"You little rascal! If not for Oliver, how long would you have kept this from me?" Mr. Goldmann Sr. roared, gripping his cane.

Nathan lounged on the couch, unfazed. "I planned to tell you when the time was right."

"Right? I’d be dead by then!" His father huffed. "But I don’t need you anymore. I have grandsons and a granddaughter now. That’s enough."

"Two grandsons and a granddaughter," Nathan corrected casually.

Mr. Goldmann Sr. blinked, then burst into laughter. "Hah! You’re something else, boy!"

Then, his expression turned serious. "Who’s their mother? Bring her to me. I don’t ask for much—just good breeding and manners."

After all, she had given the Goldmanns heirs. That alone was worth celebrating.

Nathan’s gaze darkened. "We’ll visit soon."

"‘Soon’? I’ll be waiting forever!" His father scoffed. "Fine. I’ll come to Bassburgh myself!"

The screen went black.

Nathan closed the laptop.

Oliver smirked. "He’s thrilled."