Chapter 289

"It's just an old condition flaring up again. Nothing to worry about." Reginald Blackwood reassured Evelyn as he gently stroked her hair. His complexion was unnaturally pale, tinged with a sickly gray.

Evelyn held his left hand, carefully checking his pulse. A heavy weight settled in her chest.

After a long moment, she spoke firmly. "Grandfather, I'll dedicate time every week to give you acupuncture treatments. I'll also prepare a new set of medicines for you. You must follow the regimen—and Marcus will supervise your medication."

Reginald sighed softly. "My dear, you're not the same person you once were. You're the heiress of the Kingsley family now, and Harrison adores you. How can I let you take on all this responsibility? I heard from Nathan that you're also managing Monarch Grand Hotels—that must be exhausting. Don't trouble yourself over me. Marcus takes good care of me."

Though he longed to see her more often, he couldn't bear the thought of her exhausting herself.

Evelyn stiffened slightly. She hadn’t expected Nathan to discuss her affairs with Reginald. In the past, he had treated her like nothing more than a decorative piece in his life.

Now that we're divorced, he suddenly cares?

She arched a brow. "So what if I'm Harrison's daughter? Does that mean I can't be your granddaughter anymore?" She lifted her chin defiantly. "I control my own life. I'll do whatever I please!"

Her fiery yet adorable display made both Reginald and Eleanor chuckle.

Just then, her phone buzzed. She glanced down at the screen.

[Theodore: Ms. Carter, everything is in place. Awaiting your signal.]

The banquet hall was a vision of opulence, the center stage adorned with cascading floral arrangements.

As the lights dimmed, the figures on stage grew more radiant. Nathan and Julian arrived fashionably late, their entrance drawing every eye in the room.

Despite their attempt at subtlety, their magnetic presence commanded attention.

Murmurs rippled through the crowd.

"Unbelievable," one guest muttered. "The famously reclusive Nathan Blackwood actually showed up for Victoria Sterling’s birthday banquet. She must have quite the hold on him."

Another smirked. "You think this is just a birthday party? How naïve. Haven’t you noticed? Victoria’s parents and the entire Blackwood family are here. This is clearly a cover for something bigger."

A third guest gasped. "Oh! So that’s why. I knew there had to be more to it."

A fourth scoffed. "Nothing stings more than comparison. I heard from my connections in the Sterling family—when Nathan married the first time, it was done in secret. No grand ceremony, no celebration. That woman spent three quiet years with him. And now? Look at this spectacle for his girlfriend’s birthday. Can you imagine the wedding they’ll throw? If I were the ex-wife, I’d be devastated."

Nathan’s jaw tightened as if he’d been slapped. Guilt twisted in his chest—toward Evelyn.

During their marriage, he’d never considered that he might have wronged her. But now, divorced and exposed, he felt like a sinner laid bare before the world.

Julian nudged him. "Nathan, are you all right? You look like you’ve seen a ghost."

"I'm fine," Nathan muttered, forcing a deep breath to steady himself.

In the front row, Leonard Blackwood sat beside the Sterling family, the arrangement eerily reminiscent of parents at a wedding.

Suddenly, the lighting shifted, and a lively melody filled the air.

Amid thunderous applause, Victoria made her grand entrance. She wore a silver haute couture gown, dripping with millions in jewels. The dress hugged her curves, leaving her shoulders bare as she glided forward, arm-in-arm with Penelope Whitmore.

Gasps erupted.

"That’s a Roza Walker original!" someone exclaimed.

"Stunning! And for just a birthday? Nathan must be obsessed with her!"

Victoria preened under the admiration, drunk on the attention.

Her only regret? That Nathan wasn’t standing beside her.

But tonight, she was the star. Nothing would ruin this moment.

Penelope stepped to the microphone. "Thank you all for joining us to celebrate my niece Victoria’s birthday. This is a truly special occasion, one she’ll cherish forever."

She took Victoria’s hand, her expression dripping with faux maternal affection.

"Before we continue…" Penelope paused dramatically. "There’s an important announcement."

The room fell silent.

Leonard maintained an unreadable smile. The Sterlings practically vibrated with excitement.

"Victoria Sterling and Nathan Blackwood are officially engaged!"