Chapter 313

Rosalind's makeup was flawlessly understated today, her gown radiating elegance. "Didn't Nathan mention anything to you?"

Evelyn hesitated for a fraction of a second. "What exactly should he have told me?"

Rosalind studied her with a knowing smile. "I'm now Nathan's assistant. Hmm? He didn't inform you?"

Evelyn let out a light chuckle, crossing her arms. "Oh, is that all? I thought you were about to drop some earth-shattering news."

'She’s already flaunting this the moment she becomes his assistant?'

"Ms. Vanderbilt, don’t misunderstand. This was Grandfather Theodore’s arrangement. He wants me to learn from Nathan, so I’m sure you wouldn’t object, right?" She deliberately invoked the old man’s name, making it clear to Evelyn that she still held Theodore’s favor.

'As long as Grandfather supports me, you’ll never set foot in the Goldmann family!'

Unfazed, Evelyn flashed a dazzling smile. "Why would I misunderstand? You’re just his assistant, after all. A purely professional relationship—hardly something that requires my approval, don’t you think?"

The word professional made Rosalind’s smile stiffen. She forced a brittle grin. "I’m curious, Ms. Vanderbilt. Given your ties to the de Armas, you could easily establish your own company with their backing. Why lower yourself by opening a jewelry studio under Blackgold Group?"

Evelyn narrowed her eyes. "Are you implying Blackgold isn’t worthy of me?"

"Not at all. But you clearly don’t need Nathan’s help. So why bother?" Rosalind’s gaze turned icy, her patience for pretense wearing thin.

Evelyn arched a brow, unfazed. "I hate to disappoint you, Ms. Summers, but I never asked for Nathan’s support. He insisted I rely on him."

She leaned in slightly, her smile sharp. "And the person who suggested I open my studio at Blackgold? That was your direct superior, Nathan."

With that, she stepped into the elevator, leaving Rosalind seething as the doors slid shut.

'That conniving little—!'

At Soul Jewelry Studio

Despite Evelyn’s two-week absence, the studio had run smoothly under Gregory’s management.

Employees greeted her warmly as she walked in, and she returned each smile.

Spotting Gregory, she beamed. "Uncle Gregory."

He stood, relief washing over his face. "Zoe, you’re finally back."

"Did those two weeks feel like an eternity?"

He waved a hand. "Thankfully, Mr. Goldmann assigned extra staff when things got hectic. And you’ve returned just in time—Adrian Boucher’s drama teaser featured our jewelry, and the studio’s been flooded with calls ever since."

Evelyn’s eyes sparkled. "The response has been overwhelming?"

"Beyond overwhelming. Orders are booked solid until next year. Another week, and I’d have run out of ideas."

Gregory handed her a stack of contracts as she settled at her desk—all custom orders for the studio.

"Adrian’s influence is staggering. I’d wager most of these clients are his fans."

Mid-praise, Gregory suddenly frowned. "By the way, Adrian promoted us for free. Zoe, are you two… close?"

Evelyn blinked, then laughed. "It’s probably because of Liam and Daisy. They’re filming with him, and he adores them."