Chapter 219

Evelyn pressed her lips together firmly before adding, "Our only priority is securing York's release. The travel agency and everything else—that's not my concern."

She could help free her uncle, but she would never forget what Yvette and Madam Victoria had done to her.

This was solely for her father's sake. The rest of their mess wasn't her problem.

Of course, if they refused to change their ways, that would be a different story entirely.

Nathan stood, closing the distance between them in a few strides. He leaned down slightly, his piercing gaze locking onto hers. "I can get him out, but—"

His arm snaked around her waist, pulling her flush against him. "What do I get in return?"

Evelyn exhaled sharply. Of course he would exploit the situation.

She blinked once, slowly. A kiss was just a kiss. What difference would a few more make?

Before she could act, his finger pressed against her lips, his eyes darkening with intensity. "You're not getting off that easily."

She swatted his hand away. "Then what do you want?"

"You." His answer was immediate, his expression unreadable.

Evelyn's cheeks burned as she caught the shift in his demeanor. Just as she opened her mouth to retort, his lips crashed onto hers, silencing any protest.

The Next Day

Madam Victoria received the call from Yvette and nearly sagged in relief at the news—York had been released.

But then Yvette continued, her voice strained, and Madam Victoria collapsed onto the couch. "What? We're being shut down?"

"Completely. There's nothing we can do. Mother, the business is finished. The Zimmermans are already backing out of Lydia's engagement because of this."

Though Yvette loved her daughter, frustration simmered beneath the surface. Jacob had ruined Lydia, and now their family's reputation was in tatters.

There was no undoing the past.

They could still marry Lydia off, but with their current disgrace, no respectable family would want her.

"Mother, why not let Henry take over Richard's jewelry business?" Yvette pressed. "He has no son. The company should stay within the family—not be handed to a daughter who'll marry out and take it with her."

Madam Victoria had considered this for years. With their Coralia ventures collapsing, Viana Jewelry was their last lifeline.

She marched into Richard's study and laid out her demand.

His reaction was instant fury. "Have you lost your mind? You want me to hand my company over to my nephew?"

"I'm perfectly sane," she snapped. "Viana is a Vanderbilt legacy. You can't possibly intend to leave it to Evelyn."

Madam Victoria's lips curled. "She'll marry Nathan Goldmann. She won't need it. Henry is your blood—he should inherit."

Richard's jaw clenched, his fists trembling at his sides.

Madam Victoria softened her tone, coaxing. "Richard, don't defy me now. I know you love your daughter, but she'll never want for anything with Goldmann. Viana is all we have left."

When he remained silent, she pressed further. "Don't overthink it. Listen to me. Evelyn won't miss one small company."