Chapter 91

"Taylor Jewelry controls the entire supply chain for ck opal and tanzanite, so we have no choice but to source from them."

Xavier sighed. "But their prices are notoriously steep."

Evelyn handed him the list with a smirk. "Don’t worry. Money isn’t an issue for our CEO."

Xavier’s eyes widened. "You’re making Mr. Goldmann pay for this?"

Though they operated under the ckgold Group umbrella, their studio was technically independent.

Evelyn shrugged. "I’m broke."

Xavier forwarded the list to Oliver, who scanned it and nearly choked. "For these two raw gemstones, we’ll need Mr. Goldmann to—"

His words trailed off as he stared at the supplier’s quote.

"Taylor Jewelry’s prices are double the market rate, but they’re not bluffing. 'ck opal is the rarest and most valuable of all opals, far surpassing white and fire opals in price. And tanzanite? It’s even more precious than sapphire.'"

Beaumont, the largest tanzanite supplier, sold eighty percent of its annual yield to Ampleforth for a staggering $300 million. Taylor Jewelry was the sole distributor authorized to sell to Zlokova.

The cost of these two materials alone was beyond any ordinary company’s reach.

Oliver chuckled, tucking the list away. "Ms. Vanderbilt certainly knows how to spend Mr. Goldmann’s money."

Xavier grinned. "Our boss has no money."

Oliver rolled his eyes.

He carried the list to the outdoor balcony where Nathan was swimming.

Nathan emerged from the water, slicking back his wet hair, droplets scattering across the tiles.

Oliver approached the pool’s edge. "Mr. Goldmann, your wife is about to bankrupt you."

And it’s going to be a fortune.

Nathan stepped out, his dark lashes glistening, softening the usual sharpness of his gaze. He wrapped himself in a robe, lips curling. "How much does she want?"

Oliver exhaled. "Two raw gemstones from Taylor Jewelry. Total cost? Twelve million."

Nathan took the list, scanning it. "What else did she say?"

Oliver smirked. "Your lovely wife said she’s broke."

Evelyn was deep in sketching when the light dimmed. A heavy presence loomed over her.

Nathan perched on the edge of her desk, sliding the signed list toward her. "If you need money, just ask me directly."

His voice was low, smooth.

Evelyn met his gaze. "It’s not for nothing. I’ll earn it back."

"Move in tonight," Nathan said casually, standing.

"Tonight?" Her pulse spiked.

He turned, arching a brow. "Problem?"

Evelyn hesitated, then realization struck. "Today’s the third day."

Nathan studied her before looking away. "Move in. I’ll give you time to adjust. I won’t push you."

Then he left.

Evelyn frowned, lost in thought, until her phone buzzed—Laura calling.

She answered, only to hear Harriet Heath’s voice instead.

By late afternoon, Evelyn stood at the Vanderbilt manor. She’d scoffed at the idea of returning for dinner, but Harriet’s summons left her no choice.