Chapter 63

Nathan was taken aback. "These two are sharp."

But when his gaze landed on Liam, he noticed the boy's cold, distant expression. Frowning, he set Daisy down and approached him.

"Mr. Goldmann, you're here too?" Angela blinked in surprise.

Did he come for the kids as well?

Nathan gave her a brief nod before reaching out to ruffle Liam’s hair—only for the boy to jerk away.

"Don’t touch me," Liam snapped, his voice brittle. "If it weren’t for you, we wouldn’t have been taken."

Nathan froze.

Because of me?

Daisy rushed over and grabbed Liam’s hand. "Liam, stop!"

"Why should I?" Liam’s eyes burned with unshed tears. "I heard them talking. They did this because of your woman!"

Nathan’s breath hitched.

Oliver’s expression darkened.

His woman… Ms. Vanderbilt?

Slowly, Nathan crouched to Liam’s eye level. The boy’s glare was fierce, his small frame trembling with anger—emotions no child should carry.

Nathan cupped his cheek, thumb brushing away a stray tear. "I’m sorry."

Angela and Oliver exchanged stunned glances.

Mr. Goldmann never apologizes. Not like this.

Liam stayed silent.

Nathan pulled him into an embrace, one hand cradling the back of his head. "This won’t happen again. I promise."

Liam stiffened, then—hesitantly—leaned in. The warmth of Nathan’s arms was unfamiliar, yet comforting.

Is this what a father feels like?

"Mister, me too!" Daisy tugged at Nathan’s sleeve.

With a quiet chuckle, Nathan scooped both children into his arms. "Let’s go home."

At Viana Jewelry

Evelyn was buried in paperwork when her phone buzzed.

Laura? Why now?

She answered, voice cool. "Mrs. Scott. To what do I owe the pleasure?"

Laura’s laugh was sharp. "Oh, you sound so unbothered. Those brats must mean nothing to you."

Evelyn’s grip tightened. "What are you talking about?"

"Those two little bastards—bet they’re suffering right now. Or maybe they’re already—"

"Laura," Evelyn cut in, her voice lethally soft. "If you’ve laid a finger on them, I swear—"

"So they are yours!" Laura hissed. "You lied!"

Evelyn’s smile was icy. "And what if they are? Hurt them, and I’ll make sure your precious daughter loses everything—starting with Nathan."

"You wouldn’t dare!"

"Try me." Evelyn leaned back, feigning nonchalance. "After all, if I really wanted him, stealing him from under your nose would be child’s play. I did learn from the best."

Laura’s breath hitched.

Evelyn pressed on. "So here’s the deal: release my children unharmed, or I’ll take Nathan and ruin your family’s reputation. Your choice."

The line went dead.

Evelyn sagged against her desk, knuckles white.

Liam. Daisy. Hold on. Mommy’s coming.