Chapter 92

Evelyn stepped through the grand entrance of the Vanderbilt manor, her heels clicking against the marble floor. The sound of cheerful chatter drifted from the living room, making her pause mid-step.

Vivian sat perched beside Madam Victoria, her expression freezing momentarily when she spotted Evelyn. She recovered quickly, flashing a practiced smile as she rose. "Zoe's back?"

Madam Victoria's sharp eyes raked over Evelyn from head to toe. "After all these years, you've started looking more like your mother Isabella."

Laura emerged from the dining room with several servants in tow, announcing, "Mother, dinner is served."

With Vivian's assistance, Madam Victoria stood slowly. As she passed Evelyn, she commanded, "Stay. We'll dine as a family tonight."

'A family?' Evelyn's eyelashes fluttered, her lips curling into a cold smirk.

The dining table held only three place settings - for the grandmother, stepmother, and stepsister. Evelyn's gaze lingered on the empty chair at the head of the table. "Where's Father?"

"He's not joining us. Let's begin." Madam Victoria piled food onto Vivian's plate without looking up. "You're too thin, dear. A woman needs some curves to stay healthy."

Vivian ducked her head demurely. "Thank you, Grandmother."

Evelyn's fingers tightened around her unused silverware. 'Grandmother never showed me this kind of attention, let alone Vivian.'

Noticing Evelyn's untouched plate, Madam Victoria began casually, "Evelyn, I heard you've been causing trouble over Viana Jewelry's shares?"

Evelyn's eyebrows arched as she shot Laura a pointed look.

Laura suddenly became very interested in her salad.

With a practiced smile, Evelyn replied, "Why would I quarrel over Viana Jewelry? You must have heard wrong."

"Is that so?" Madam Victoria barely glanced at Laura before continuing, "Good to hear. Viana belongs to the Vanderbilts. Women shouldn't meddle in family business - that's men's work."

Evelyn's smile didn't waver.

Everyone knew Madam Victoria's archaic views. Evelyn remembered how her grandmother had dismissed Richard for producing no male heir, while spoiling her only grandson into uselessness.

'Now that the Vanderbilt hot springs are failing, she suddenly remembers her son in Bassburgh - and sets her sights on Viana Jewelry.'

'Viana's recent success must have caught her attention.'

Evelyn met her grandmother's gaze directly. "Viana is Father's company. Shouldn't he decide its future?"

Though Laura disliked Evelyn, she secretly agreed with the statement - not that she'd ever voice it.

Madam Victoria sniffed. "Your father is a Vanderbilt, making Viana Vanderbilt property. But with Vivian successfully managing the company during its growth, her contributions can't be ignored."

As Madam Victoria praised Vivian, the younger woman shot Evelyn a triumphant look.

"I've heard Viana's new designer is quite popular these days," Evelyn sighed dramatically. "Seems my chances of making a comeback are slim."

"You should learn from your elder sister. Speaking of which—" Madam Victoria turned to Vivian. "Didn't you say you're close with Mr. Goldmann? Invite him for dinner so we can meet properly."

Vivian's face paled. Even Laura looked uncomfortable.

"Grandmother, Nathan is... very busy." Vivian bit her lip. 'Damn it, inviting him would just give this bitch the perfect opportunity.'

Noticing their reactions, Evelyn lowered her eyes to hide her amusement. "Surely if you're that close, he'd come when you ask? Hasn't he visited before?"