Chapter 229

"That's correct. I will only give Viana to Zoe. Only my daughter deserves it."

Richard had clearly grasped their intention to force him to relinquish control of Viana Jewelry.

If that was their game, there was no point delaying. "I've already had my lawyers designate Zoe as the sole beneficiary of Viana."

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"Have you lost your mind? Why would you give it to her!?"

"What exactly did you contribute when Isabella and I founded Viana?"

Richard glared at Madam Victoria with undisguised contempt. "Mother, I've always respected you. But since you've never treated me as your son or acknowledged Zoe as your granddaughter, there's no need for pretense anymore."

"How dare—" Madam Victoria trembled with fury, but the words died in her throat.

The dinner concluded in icy silence. As Yvette and York departed, few noticed the subtle signals York exchanged with Laura.

Unfortunately, Evelyn happened to be walking behind them and caught the interaction. Passing Laura, she flashed a chilling smile. "Play with fire, and you'll get burned."

The warning sent a shiver down Laura's spine.

Her jaw tightened with determination. That woman would never know peace until she was permanently removed from the picture!

Nathan was reviewing documents in his study when Oliver's message arrived.

'The Cornelia Vanderbilts are attempting to steal Viana from Evelyn? Who gave them the audacity?'

He'd investigated them long ago. Aside from Richard, who was relatively competent, Madam Victoria's other children were utterly worthless.

The matriarch's archaic, patriarchal mindset was evident in how she favored her two sons. York's son Henry had been spoiled rotten since childhood, transforming into a useless parasite who contributed nothing.

The thought of handing Viana to such a man was laughable.

"Daddy!"

The triplets peeked through the doorway.

Nathan set aside his papers, raising an eyebrow as they swarmed him.

He cradled Daisy while ruffling Caleb and Liam's hair. "What brings you three here?"

Caleb announced, "Mommy just returned from Vanderbilt Manor and she's upset."

Liam added, "Did the Vanderbilts bully her?"

Daisy concluded, "They're horrible people!"

Nathan studied their concerned little faces. So young, yet already worrying about adult matters.

He chuckled. "Do you really think anyone could bully your mother?"

The children exchanged hesitant glances.

While their mother wasn't easily intimidated, the possibility remained.

"Daddy, aren't you going to do something? Your wife is being bullied!" Caleb narrowed his eyes.

Nathan paused, then laughed. "Do you think Mommy would let me interfere? Your father operates behind the scenes. I won't let anyone take advantage of her."

Again, the triplets shared uncertain looks.

That did sound plausible.

Daisy fiddled with Nathan's tie as a thought struck her. "Behind the scenes?" She tilted her head. "Daddy, does that mean you're living off Mommy?"

Caleb asked, "What does that mean?" Liam and Daisy chorused, "It means he's a deadbeat who depends on his wife for everything."