Chapter 175

"Victoria, as Nathan's future wife, why don't you come over and assist Grandfather?" Penelope suggested with a tight smile.

"Grandfather, allow me to help you," Victoria said sweetly, stepping forward with practiced grace.

Just as she moved, Reginald's sharp gaze flickered toward Nathan and Evelyn.

"Nathan, Evelyn—I want the two of you by my side."

He then shot Leonard a dismissive glance. "You irritate me. I'd rather have these young ones around—they make me feel alive."

Leonard sighed but released his father's arm without protest.

Victoria froze mid-step, her cheeks burning with humiliation. She forced a brittle smile, though her fingers curled into fists at her sides.

That wretched old man! Why won't he just drop dead already?

Evelyn's lashes lowered slightly, her expression unreadable. She glanced at Nathan.

Their eyes met—his dark and unyielding, hers cool and detached.

Without a word, she turned away, presenting him with nothing but the elegant line of her profile.

Nathan exhaled sharply, his jaw tightening before he moved to stand beside Reginald.

The guests exchanged knowing looks.

It was clear—Reginald Blackwood had no intention of accepting Victoria Sterling as part of the family.

Penelope's face flushed with barely contained fury. Not only had Reginald publicly slighted Victoria, but he’d also dismissed her, the esteemed wife of Blackwood Industries' chairman.

Yet she could do nothing but force a smile. The old man still held shares and influence—his word was law in the Blackwood family.

"Grandfather, your complexion is radiant today," Evelyn said warmly as she took Reginald's arm. "You look stronger than ever."

"Seeing you always lifts my spirits, Evelyn." Reginald patted her hand affectionately. "At this rate, I might just outlive all of you!"

His eyes swept over her dress approvingly. "Perfection. I knew this gown would suit you. Far more tasteful than those who parade around half-dressed."

Nathan stiffened. So this was why Evelyn was wearing that dress—his grandfather had chosen it.

The guests' gazes shifted to Victoria, their judgment unmistakable.

It was obvious—Reginald adored Evelyn and had no regard for Victoria.

Even divorced, Evelyn remained family in his eyes.

Victoria’s nails dug into her palms as whispers swirled around her.

"Since everyone is gathered, let’s take a family portrait first," Penelope interjected smoothly, steering Victoria forward. She turned to Evelyn with a saccharine smile. "Evelyn, would you mind taking the photo for us?"

"Of course not." Evelyn’s smile was serene.

"Evelyn is my guest of honor," Reginald snapped, glaring at Penelope. "She belongs in this portrait—right beside me. Anyone who dares make her feel unwelcome will answer to me."

Penelope’s lips trembled. She shot Leonard a pleading look.

Leonard cleared his throat. "Father, I know you’re fond of Evelyn, but given the divorce, it might be... inappropriate for her to be in our family photos."

"And why should that matter?" Reginald’s voice boomed. "If she’s no longer my granddaughter by marriage, then I’ll claim her as my own. She will always be family!"

Evelyn’s throat tightened. The old man’s unwavering loyalty was the one thing that still tied her to the Blackwoods.

Victoria’s vision darkened with rage.

The guests murmured in astonishment.

What kind of spell had Evelyn Carter cast to earn such devotion?

"Grandfather." Nathan’s voice was strained. "You’re putting Evelyn in an awkward position. She may not wish to be your granddaughter."

Reginald scoffed. "It’s not her reluctance I sense—it’s yours." He jabbed a finger at Nathan. "That scowl says enough. Wipe it off."

Evelyn suppressed a sigh.

Nathan’s expression turned stony. Next to Evelyn, he might as well have been an afterthought in his grandfather’s eyes.

Just as the tension peaked, a smooth, velvety voice cut through the room.

"Your affection for Evelyn is touching, Reginald. But given the circumstances, perhaps it’s best she not be drawn further into family matters."

All heads turned toward the entrance.

Sebastian Kingsley stood there, his presence commanding the room.