Chapter 447

Nathan pushed the crystal ashtray aside, his fingers drumming an impatient rhythm on the mahogany desk. "Does Harrison know about this?"

His question hung heavy in the air, referring to Evelyn's recent ordeal in Stoslo.

Oliver hesitated for barely a heartbeat before responding, "I believe Harrison must be aware by now."

When Evelyn was escorted to the Laurent estate, she'd already pieced together Harrison's motives for summoning her.

Lillian guided her to the study where Harrison stood silhouetted against the floor-to-ceiling windows, hands clasped tightly behind his back. Without turning, his gravelly voice cut through the silence. "You and Nathan were ambushed in Stoslo."

A wry smile touched Evelyn's lips. "Your intelligence network operates at frightening speed."

A humorless chuckle escaped him. "Stoslo falls under my jurisdiction. My men reported the incident immediately." His shoulders tensed. "Our enemies grow bold."

Finally turning, Harrison's piercing gaze locked onto Evelyn. "I warned you this would happen. While I won't use you against the Goldmanns now that you're bound to Nathan, our adversaries lack such scruples."

Evelyn stepped forward, her heels clicking against the parquet. "Have you considered, Sir Harrison, that you might be mistaken about the feud between our families?"

Harrison's expression darkened like gathering storm clouds. "Still defending them?"

She'd anticipated his reaction but pressed on regardless. "Then let me ask directly - were you involved in Natasha's kidnapping fifteen years ago?"

His derisive snort filled the study. "What does it matter what I say? The Goldmanns have already convicted me in their narrative."

Evelyn's pulse quickened. "So it wasn't you."

"Even if I played no part," Harrison countered coldly, "this blood feud won't end with simple explanations."

Silence stretched between them.

Just as she'd suspected - Harrison knew the truth about that night but refused to clear his name to the Goldmanns. His hatred ran too deep for explanations to matter.

'Whether he's guilty or not changes nothing. But at least now I know the de Armas weren't involved.'

Evelyn's lashes lowered as a small, knowing smile curved her lips. "I'm relieved to hear it wasn't you."

Harrison studied her for a long moment before his expression hardened. "Leave the Goldmanns. Now that your connection to Nathan is known, you're walking target."

"I won't abandon him." Her voice held steel. "I wouldn't be standing here if not for Nathan's protection that night." Her chin lifted defiantly. 'No one will separate us - not even Nathan himself.'

"You stubborn—"

"Grandfather."

The word stopped Harrison mid-sentence. Even Lillian gasped - it was the first time Evelyn had willingly used the familial title.

Her tone softened but remained resolute. "I understand your hatred for the Goldmanns, but some incidents may not be—"

"Not their doing?" Harrison's fist slammed onto the desk, making the inkwell rattle. "Did I lose my leg to phantom enemies?"

Evelyn met his fury with calm logic. "If Theodore Goldmann truly wanted you maimed during your captivity, why wait until after releasing you? It makes no strategic sense."

'From what Edmund shared, the elder Goldmann wasn't one for senseless cruelty - especially against a child.'

Harrison's brows knitted together. "Who fed you these lies? Nathan?"

"No." Evelyn shook her head. "Edmund Lincoln. He happens to know more than most about that era."

Harrison went utterly still. "Edmund?" His voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. "How do you know that man?"