Chapter 177

The tension in Cliffside Manor was palpable.

Leonard Blackwood leaned closer to Reginald, his voice barely above a whisper. "Father, Evelyn is involved with Sebastian Kingsley."

A heavy silence followed his words.

"Since Evelyn has moved on," Leonard continued carefully, "please don't try to push her back toward Nathan. Love can't be forced."

Penelope Whitmore seized the opportunity to add fuel to the fire. "I agree, Father." Her voice dripped with false concern. "Sebastian came for Evelyn the moment Nathan divorced her. That alone proves they've been together for some time."

Reginald's sharp gaze snapped to her. "Is that true?"

"Of course." Penelope's smile was sweet, but her eyes gleamed with malice. "Otherwise, how could their relationship progress so quickly? I've always said we shouldn't interfere with the children's lives. What's the point of a loveless marriage? Let them find happiness on their own."

She paused, letting her words sink in.

"You don’t need to worry about Evelyn anymore. The Kingsleys are just as influential as our family."

Her fingers tightened around her glass.

Evelyn, let’s see how you keep pretending to be innocent in front of Reginald now.

She bit her lip, feigning sadness.

She had anticipated this moment—prepared for Reginald’s disappointment, ready to bear his anger.

But then, Nathan unexpectedly spoke up.

"Grandfather, don’t blame Evelyn." His voice was steady, though his jaw clenched. "She owes me nothing. If she’s happy with Sebastian, then I give them my blessing."

The word blessing came out strained, almost bitter.

Penelope froze.

This wasn’t the reaction she had expected.

Nathan had always been proud, unyielding. In the past, she would have reveled in his defiance.

Now, she only felt irritation.

"Ridiculous!" Reginald snapped, slamming his hand on the table. "What difference does your blessing make? I asked you to reconcile with her, but you failed! Is it Evelyn’s fault for finding someone better? No—it’s yours!"

His voice rose. "You’re not as fortunate as Sebastian to have such a remarkable woman!"

The room fell deadly silent.

Penelope and Victoria Sterling paled, their carefully applied makeup doing little to hide their shock.

They had underestimated one crucial fact.

Reginald adored Evelyn.

No matter what they said, he would never see her as the villain.

Nathan’s chest tightened, but he forced himself to remain composed. "I’m glad you’re not upset with her."

"Upset? Why would I be?" Reginald scoffed. "I only want the best for her!" He turned, gesturing for Evelyn and Sebastian to approach. "Come here, both of you."

The siblings exchanged a glance before obeying.

"Grandfather, I’m sorry for keeping this from you," Evelyn murmured, her eyes downcast.

Reginald’s expression softened. "It doesn’t matter. Your happiness is all I care about."

Then his gaze hardened as it landed on Sebastian. "You’re a man of power, with siblings who rely on you. Promise me you’ll protect Evelyn. If she suffers even a little after marrying you, I won’t care that you’re a Kingsley. I will make you regret it."

Sebastian’s lips twitched.

Memories flashed through his mind—Evelyn as a child, riding on Dominic’s back like a horse, or painting Maxwell’s face with lipstick.

He chuckled. "I promise. She’ll never want for anything."

Reginald studied him, then exhaled in relief. "Good. Then I’ll entrust her to you now. Give her everything my grandson couldn’t. Love her properly."

Nathan flinched as if struck.

Sebastian nodded firmly. "I will."

Nathan’s breath hitched.

His eyes burned as he stared at Evelyn—the woman who had once been his wife.

For a fleeting moment, he felt hollow, as if his soul had been ripped away.

His vision blurred.

And for the first time in years, Nathan Blackwood fought back tears.