Chapter 90

"Mother, Vivian is doing this for the Vanderbilts." Laura smiled, trying to make Madam Victoria feel satisfied with herself and her daughter.

Everyone knew Madam Victoria had always valued a grandson more. If it weren’t for Richard not having a son, she wouldn’t have bothered with the mother-daughter pair at all.

Madam Victoria had two sons—Richard and York.

York, Richard’s elder brother, lived in the Vanderbilt ancestral mansion because he had given the family a grandson, Henry.

Madam Victoria had always favored her eldest son. If it weren’t for Viana Jewelry’s recent success, she wouldn’t have come to Bassburgh in person.

"Hmph, this might benefit the Vanderbilts, but she’s still not a man. Son, no matter what, the family business must be inherited by a man. A daughter will just marry into another family someday."

Richard and Laura’s expressions turned stiff at Madam Victoria’s words.

"It’s better to hand Viana over to your nephew, Henry. He’s 23 now and the only heir to the Vanderbilts."

Laura clenched her fists. Handing Viana over to that arrogant brat? Never.

"Mother, you might not know this, but Vivian was the one who convinced designer Frederick Fuller to collaborate with Viana. In other words, Frederick only agreed because of Vivian’s connection to Mr. Goldmann."

Richard frowned. "What does this have to do with Mr. Goldmann?"

Laura smiled. "Darling, didn’t you hear? When Frederick came to discuss the collaboration, he told Vivian he only knew about her because of Mr. Goldmann."

"The person you’re talking about… Which Mr. Goldmann?" Madam Victoria’s eyes sharpened.

Laura met her gaze. "Nathan Goldmann of Blackgold Group, of course."

Madam Victoria’s lips parted in shock. She turned to Vivian. "Well, well, young lady, you’re quite impressive. You’ve caught the attention of the Goldmann heir. Tell me more about him. I’ve heard he’s incredibly influential. A marriage alliance with the Goldmanns would elevate the Vanderbilts!"

Laura smirked. Mentioning Nathan had worked like a charm. The tension between her and her mother-in-law had eased instantly.

Richard stood abruptly and left, his expression dark.

Madam Victoria barely spared him a glance. She turned back to Vivian. "Since you’re close to Mr. Goldmann, you must know the elite circles he moves in. Introduce one of those powerful men to your cousin Lydia."

Vivian smiled sweetly, pleased by the sudden change in address. "Of course, Grandmother."

Hmph. Compared to Evelyn, Lydia is just a spoiled, brainless girl.

But that’s exactly what I need. If I can use her to deal with Evelyn, even better.

Madam Victoria beamed. "Excellent. You truly are a Vanderbilt. I’ll have Lydia visit tomorrow."

At noon, Evelyn flipped through the inventory list.

Xavier sighed. "Ms. Vanderbilt, Jade Mountain Co. is facing a shortage of rare rough stones. We can’t source aquamarine, tanzanite, golden emerald, black opal, or topaz from them."

Evelyn closed the file. "We can order aquamarine and golden emerald from Millennial Gemstone Inc.—their prices are comparable. As for black opal and tanzanite, only Taylor Jewelry has them in stock."