Chapter 205

Laura Scott refused to return to her former life. Leaving the Vanderbilts would mean losing everything.

Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.

'Just need to control this witch temporarily. Once she forgives me, I'll make sure she disappears permanently.'

"Heh, begging won't help you. You'd better act fast."

Evelyn straightened her spine. "You drove me out of Vanderbilt Manor years ago. Now it's your turn to leave."

She couldn't bear looking at Laura another second, striding out of the hospital room while Oliver released Laura and followed.

Laura remained frozen on the hospital bed, her expression darkening by the minute.

Oliver returned to Goldmann Enterprises' executive office, faithfully reporting every detail of the hospital encounter.

'Mr. Goldmann assigned me as Ms. Vanderbilt's temporary bodyguard. What else could I do?'

Nathan rested his chin on his hand, setting aside documents with a faint smirk. "Seems she handled it perfectly. She deserves a reward."

Oliver suppressed a pout.

'I performed well too. Where's my reward?'

When Nathan arrived at Soul Jewelry Studio, employees immediately recognized his purpose for visiting, showing no surprise.

Lydia Vanderbilt was massaging her wrist exiting the warehouse when she spotted Nathan. "Nathan!" she called, rushing toward him.

Nathan's brows furrowed at the shrill voice.

"Please forgive my earlier behavior. I never meant to compete with Evelyn. Are you still angry with me?"

Nathan found her unbearably chatty.

'Is Evelyn the only sane Vanderbilt?'

He attempted to leave when Lydia suddenly bit her lip and lunged toward his chest.

Nathan swiftly caught her shoulders, his gaze turning arctic.

Though denied the embrace, Lydia felt triumphant at his touch - until Nathan violently shoved her away just as Evelyn emerged with paperwork, sending Lydia sprawling.

The commotion drew everyone's attention.

Lydia hadn't anticipated public humiliation.

Nathan immediately approached Evelyn, adopting a wounded expression. "She threw herself at me."

Gasps echoed through the studio.

'What?'

'Mr. Goldmann actually explaining himself to Ms. Zara with that puppy-dog look?'

Lydia scrambled up, panicking. "Evelyn! It wasn't me! I just slipped!"

Evelyn understood exactly why Lydia had begged to work at Goldmann Enterprises. She'd grudgingly admired Lydia's perseverance in enduring the grueling tasks assigned to her.

But watching Lydia openly seduce Nathan still churned Evelyn's stomach.

"You slipped? At what age do people still faceplant from slipping?"

Snickers erupted around them.

Flushing crimson, Lydia stood. "I didn't-"

"You've caused nothing but trouble since arriving. Instead of working, you've embarrassed Grandmother repeatedly. Leave if you can't handle this job."

"Sister Evelyn...are you firing me?" Lydia clutched her skirt hem.

"Disappearing for hours during work shifts? Why should I keep you?"

Evelyn knew exactly what Lydia did in the warehouse - Xavier had faithfully reported her three-hour daily absences and refusal to complete assignments.