Chapter 193

The phone buzzed in Vivian's hand, her mother's name flashing across the screen.

Laura's voice was strained, each word laced with panic. By the time the call ended, Vivian's face had drained of color. She shot up from her seat, her composure shattered.

"What? Dad wants to divorce you?!"

Not only had her mother's plan to frame Evelyn failed, but now her father was abandoning them.

Damn it! Why does that witch have all the luck?

Her nails dug into her palm.

No. I won’t let this happen. I’m still a de Arma, with or without that bracelet. The DNA results are enough. As long as Dad and Grandma aren’t here, no one can expose me.

A bitter smirk twisted her lips.

And Nathan? If he wanted to ruin me, he would’ve told Evelyn everything by now. But he didn’t. Maybe those six years together still mean something to him.

Nathan guided Evelyn out of the hospital, his grip firm on her waist. As they slid into the car, he dropped the bombshell.

"You're attending the Laurent family’s banquet the day after tomorrow."

Evelyn blinked. "Why?"

His lips curled, mischief glinting in his eyes. "Don’t you want to have some fun?"

She stiffened, studying his sharp profile. That smirk—it promised chaos.

"Is this your idea of helping me? Dragging me to that circus?"

Nathan turned, his gaze locking onto hers, dark with amusement. "The de Armas are about to parade a fraud in front of the world. Wouldn’t it be a shame if the real heir showed up uninvited?"

Evelyn’s breath hitched.

Since when did Nathan enjoy stirring the pot this much?

Back at the Goldmann estate, three tiny tornadoes barreled into Evelyn the second she stepped inside.

Daisy clung to her leg, eyes wide. "Mommy, Grandpa said you were in the hospital! Are you sick?"

Caleb crossed his arms, smug. "Mommy wasn’t sick. She was secretly having a baby."

Liam rolled his eyes. "Babies take ten months, dummy. Mommy was only gone for three days."

Evelyn flicked each of their foreheads. "What kind of nonsense are you three dreaming up?"

Nathan watched, an idea forming as he studied his miniature replicas.

Later, as Evelyn unpacked in their room, Nathan cornered her against the wall, his voice a low purr. "The kids might be onto something. Three isn’t enough. Should we try for another?"

"Go to hell." She shoved him away, cheeks burning.

This man’s mind is a gutter.

A soft giggle interrupted them. Nathan turned to find three pairs of judgmental eyes peeking through the cracked door.

Daisy sighed dramatically. "Daddy, it’s been forever, and you still haven’t convinced Mommy."

Caleb nodded sagely. "Total failure."

Liam just gave a disappointed thumbs-down.

Nathan pinched the bridge of his nose.

The next evening, the Laurent mansion glittered with elite guests.

Vivian floated through the crowd in a blush-pink gown, her demure smile perfectly practiced. Lillian de Arma guided her, regal and untouchable, as socialites flocked to greet the "long-lost" heiress.

Vivian basked in their attention, her chest swelling with triumph.

Even if I never become Mrs. Goldmann, this name will open every door for me.

Lillian sipped champagne, her gaze icy as it swept the room.

This spectacle wasn’t her idea.

It was Harrison de Arma’s—her father, watching from Stoslo.