Chapter 220

With Isabella's birthday drawing near, Evelyn spent her days working and her nights secluded in her room, meticulously crafting a handmade gift for her sister.

She was designing a ring.

18k gold. Natural aquamarine. Flawless diamonds.

For Evelyn, a master jewelry designer, the technical aspects were effortless. But this gift held deeper meaning—the aquamarine was rare, its size impressive, its clarity unmatched. A collector's piece, its worth comparable to legendary gemstones.

When it came to gifts for those she loved, Evelyn never held back. She poured her heart into every detail, refusing to rush or cut corners.

Just as she had once done for Nathaniel.

But that man had never appreciated her efforts.

Her phone buzzed with a video call. Olivia, her studio manager.

"What's so urgent at this hour?" Evelyn asked, carefully polishing the gemstone.

"Do you remember Tyler?" Olivia's voice was tense.

"Of course. My apprentice for three years before he started his own business. Talented, skilled. What about him?"

"Two days ago, someone approached him to replicate one of your designs. Can you believe it? If you don't make a comeback, fakes of your work will flood the market."

Evelyn chuckled, unfazed. "Why be angry? Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Those who can't afford my pieces settle for counterfeits to feed their vanity."

"Tyler couldn’t reach you, so he came to me. He refused the job—wouldn’t betray his mentor’s work or compromise his integrity."

Evelyn’s curiosity piqued. "Who’s trying to copy my designs? Whoever identified Tyler as my apprentice must have serious connections."

"Not sure how they met, but the girl’s from Elmsworth, Windhelm. Last name Fairhaven. Oh, and she’s the apprentice of the pianist Christian."

Evelyn’s eyes gleamed.

Now she knew.

If they were so eager to play with fire, she wouldn’t hold back.

"Olivia, tell Tyler to take Ms. Edith’s order," Evelyn said, lips curving into a smirk.

"What? Why?" Olivia sounded baffled.

"Not just take it—do it flawlessly. He can’t tarnish my reputation."

Five days later.

Nathaniel, fresh from a corporate meeting, received unexpected news.

Ada, who had been stubbornly refusing, had suddenly agreed.

"What changed?" Nathaniel stood by the window, his imposing silhouette dark against the glass, eyes sharp with suspicion.

Gordon hesitated. "Rumor is, Victoria somehow got Ada a piece of Evelyn’s jewelry design. That sealed the deal."

Nathaniel scoffed. "Must be a fake."

"Ada’s a collector. Would she fall for a counterfeit?"

Gordon’s expression darkened. "If Victoria signs that contract, the Vanderbilt Hotel falls into her and her mother’s hands. They’ll bleed it dry."

"Evelyn must already know." Nathaniel’s fingers tightened slightly.

With Victoria winning Ada over, he faced a new wave of corporate scheming—more complicated than dealing with Evelyn.

Yet all he could think about was her.

Gordon sighed. "Miss Evelyn’s been quiet these past few days. Maybe she’s given up."

"Given up?" Nathaniel’s lips thinned. "Unlikely. She’s biding her time. When she strikes, Victoria won’t stand a chance."

After all, how could Victoria—with her shallow cunning—outmaneuver his brilliantly ruthless ex-wife?

The thought twisted something in his chest.

That evening, the Vanderbilt family gathered for their monthly dinner at Havenbrook.

The atmosphere was deceptively peaceful. Even Victoria played the dutiful niece, pouring drinks and serving food to Maria as if they were close.

Maria, seated beside Nathaniel, kept her head down, refusing Victoria’s gestures.

She had her pride.

"Father," Frederic began, setting down his fork. "Elspeth and I have been discussing something important. We wanted your advice."

Hamilton chewed slowly. "You’ve already decided. Why ask an old man?"

Elspeth’s smile tightened. These dinners always left her seething.

"Victoria’s of marriageable age," Frederic continued. "We think it’s time to arrange her engagement."

Victoria blushed, biting her lip.

Hamilton’s fork halted mid-air. "She’s only twenty-five. Plenty of time before wedding bells."

"Father, Vanderbilt women never lack suitors," Elspeth interjected sweetly.

Hamilton’s eyes narrowed. "This isn’t some business alliance, is it? Even if the company collapses tomorrow, my granddaughters aren’t bargaining chips."

"Grandpa!" Victoria laughed, shaking his arm. "Mom and Dad just want me happy. I want to get married."

Hamilton blinked. "You do? To whom?"

Elspeth’s eyes sparkled. "Someone you know well—Jareth."

Nathaniel’s jaw tensed, but he remained silent.

"Jareth?" Hamilton repeated, stunned.

"Yes, Father. Mr. Jareth."

Clang.

A fork clattered to the floor.

All eyes turned to Maria, her face pale.

In the Vanderbilts’ etiquette-obsessed world, such a slip was unforgivable.

"I—I’m sorry!" She scrambled to pick it up, but Nathaniel beat her to it.

"It’s fine," he murmured, handing her a fresh one.

"Th-thank you," Maria whispered.

Victoria smirked, savoring her discomfort.