Chapter 320

Rosalind smiled coyly and stepped closer to him. "Liam, weren't you supposed to be out with your sister today?"

The little boy's icy glare stopped her in her tracks. As he brushed past, his voice dripped with contempt. "Stop pretending."

"Even if you poison Great-grandpa Theodore's mind, you'll never replace Mommy."

Rosalind froze. Her fingers curled into tight fists as she watched the five-year-old ascend the stairs. How did this child see through her schemes? Those piercing eyes held unsettling intelligence for his age.

Her nails dug deeper into her palms. These Vanderbilt brats were just like their mother - infuriatingly perceptive.

A vibration in her pocket interrupted her thoughts. The unknown number displayed a chilling message:

[You promised to extract me from the Underground Freeway. I've told you everything. When do I get my freedom?]

Rosalind's lips curled. Vivian. She'd almost forgotten about this disposable weapon in her arsenal.

Flashback to three days prior:

Vivian stumbled toward the parked black sedan on South Street, her ragged breaths fogging the chilly air. The tinted window descended to reveal Rosalind's masked face.

"I've honored my word," Rosalind purred. "Now it's your turn."

Vivian's calculating gaze assessed the mysterious benefactor. "What should I call you?"

"Lady Wolfsbane will suffice."

"Very well, Lady Wolfsbane." Vivian's smile didn't reach her eyes. "Consider me at your service."

Rosalind's laughter held no warmth. "All I require is Evelyn Vanderbilt's permanent removal."

Vivian's eyebrow arched. "What's your grudge against her?"

"She stole what was rightfully mine." Rosalind's grip tightened on the steering wheel. "She needs to disappear."

The confirmation of mutual hatred satisfied Vivian. "Then we understand each other. That gold-digging socialite's days are numbered."

Present day:

Evelyn checked her diamond-encrusted watch for the third time. The private dining room at Le Cirque remained conspicuously empty.

Gregory sighed. "It's 9:45. Should we assume Mr. Boucher isn't coming?"

Evelyn smoothed her Valentino dress. "Celebrities keep their own schedules." She wouldn't have requested this meeting if not for Adrian Boucher's unexpected kindness during the Viana Jewelry crisis.

The door burst open. "Mommy!"

Daisy's tiny arms wrapped around Evelyn's knees before she could rise. The scent of strawberry shampoo filled the air as Evelyn showered kisses on her daughter's forehead. "My precious girl, I've missed you so much."

Daisy's lower lip trembled. "Great-grandpa Theodore's being mean! He yelled at us and wants Daddy to marry that scary lady!" Her whisper carried childlike urgency. "Liam says she's putting bad thoughts in Great-grandpa's head to make him hate you!"

Evelyn's champagne flute clattered against the table. The room seemed to tilt as her daughter's words painted a terrifying picture. Theodore Goldmann wasn't just disapproving - he was being manipulated.

And Rosalind Summers had just crossed a line no one could uncross.