Chapter 9

The next morning at Viana Jewelry…

Evelyn sat in her private office, flipping through years of the company’s jewelry designs. She slammed the files onto the desk with a scoff. "Where’s the innovation? From what I can see, they don’t even understand the meaning of ‘design.’ Has Viana Jewelry spent millions just to produce mediocre collections?"

The staff members exchanged uneasy glances. One cleared her throat. "Miss Zara, Director Vanderbilt insisted all new designs must adhere to Viana’s original concept."

Evelyn leaned back in her chair, arms crossed, lips curling into a smirk. "And what exactly is this ‘original concept’?"

She snatched up a catalog and waved it dismissively. "These pieces wouldn’t even turn heads at a flea market. Director Vanderbilt must be so proud—firing the entire elite design team and then peddling knockoffs when Viana couldn’t produce anything worthwhile. Even failure should have standards."

The clerk stiffened, lips pressed tight.

Evelyn stood abruptly. "Take me to the raw materials warehouse."

"Yes, Miss Zara."

As they headed toward the elevators, Evelyn froze mid-step.

Nathan Goldmann stood there, his sharp gaze locking onto hers.

She ignored him, brushing past—until his voice cut through the silence. "No greeting?"

Evelyn clenched her jaw. Right. The man who’d casually dropped $150 million.

She forced a smile. "Lovely to see you, Mr. Goldmann."

His brow arched. "Where are you off to, Miss Vanderbilt?"

Her pulse spiked. He knows my real name?

Nathan stepped closer. "Well?"

This man has too much free time.

She tilted her head. "Do I need your permission to visit the warehouse?"

Vivian’s lover sure loves control.

"Perfect," he said smoothly. "I’d like to see what you uncover."

Evelyn barely suppressed an eye roll.

The warehouse was a cavernous space stacked with uncut gemstones and raw ores. The clerk flicked on the lights, illuminating shelves of rough diamonds and cutting equipment.

Evelyn snatched a stone, examining it under the light before striding to the cutting machine.

The clerk gasped. "Miss Zara, what are you—?"

The machine whirred. The diamond split cleanly—revealing a dull, grainy interior.

Evelyn held it up, lips thinning. "Viana’s now dealing in fakes?"

The clerk paled. "Director Chester oversees the warehouse."

"Get him here. Now."

Nathan picked up the sliced stone, dragging it across his signet ring. A visible scratch marred the surface.

Evelyn smirked. "Your girlfriend’s company is selling counterfeits. Aren’t you going to intervene?"

He met her gaze, unreadable. "This was also your mother’s company."

Her smile faltered.

"Making a scene won’t help," he said coolly. "Handle it quietly."

Quietly?

Her nails dug into her palms. If Vivian authorized this… Genuine diamonds cost a fortune. Fakes? Pennies.

"If she’s involved—"

"She knows nothing about gems," Nathan cut in. "Don’t jump to conclusions."

Evelyn almost laughed. He sounds just like Liam making excuses—

Wait. Why am I thinking of him?

The clerk rushed in with Director Chester, whose confidence evaporated at the sight of Nathan.

"Mr. Goldmann! Wh-what brings you here?"

Nathan held up the fake diamond. "Explain."

Chester’s forehead gleamed with sweat.

Damn it. Vivian ordered these. If this gets out…

But she’s Goldmann’s lover. I’ll be the scapegoat!

"I—It wasn’t me! The previous director, Xavier Zaleski, handled this batch!"

Evelyn scoffed. "Xavier worked here for fifteen years. If he’d sold fakes, he’d have been fired instantly."

Chester blanched. How does she know that?

"Someone’s lying," Evelyn murmured, stepping closer. "Are you taking the fall, Chester?"

Nathan watched her, silent.

Then—

The door swung open.

Vivian stood there, eyes wide.