Chapter 290

Gasps rippled through the crowd, followed by thunderous applause that shook the chandeliers.

Julian Montgomery froze for a heartbeat before turning to Nathan Blackwood with concern etched across his face.

Nathan stood like a marble statue, his icy aura creating an invisible barrier that kept everyone at bay.

The spotlight mercilessly found him, illuminating his ashen face that had lost all color.

Penelope Whitmore squeezed Victoria Sterling's hand, her face radiant with triumph. "Victoria and Nathan grew up together, facing every challenge side by side. Tonight, we're thrilled to announce their engagement! The Blackwood family couldn't be happier to share this joyous news with all our distinguished guests!"

Victoria's cheeks bloomed with a rosy hue, her eyes shining with bridal shyness. She gazed adoringly at Nathan, mistaking his rigid posture for nervous excitement.

Meanwhile, in the kitchen of Cliffside Manor...

Evelyn Carter stirred a pot of soup for Reginald and Eleanor when the door burst open.

Eleanor rushed in, her face ghostly pale. "Evelyn! Something terrible—" Her hands trembled violently. "Grandfather collapsed! He's not moving!"

The wooden spoon clattered against the floor as Evelyn's world tilted. Her pulse roared in her ears as she sprinted toward the living room.

Reginald lay sprawled on the Persian rug, his limbs twitching uncontrollably. Foam gathered at the corners of his twisted mouth, his eyes rolled back in their sockets.

"Stroke!" Evelyn gasped, immediately recognizing the symptoms.

Marcus Underwood hovered nearby, his face crumpled with panic. "I've called an ambulance! Hold on, Mr. Blackwood!"

"Marcus, stay calm!" Evelyn's voice cut through the chaos like steel. Dropping to her knees, she began administering emergency care with practiced precision.

Both Marcus and Eleanor gaped as she worked—her movements so precise she might have been wearing a doctor's coat.

Beads of sweat dotted Evelyn's forehead. "Marcus, where are Grandfather's acupuncture needles?"

"In his study!"

"Get them. Now." Her voice brooked no argument. When the needles arrived, Evelyn's hands didn't shake as she prepared them. "The ambulance won't make it in time. I need to stabilize him first."

Back at the grand ballroom...

Penelope and Victoria's announcement sent waves of excitement through the glittering crowd.

Society daughters watched with envy burning in their eyes as Victoria stood center stage like a fairy-tale princess.

"Can you believe her luck?" one debutante whispered behind her fan. "Marrying Nathan Blackwood? What did Victoria Sterling do to deserve this?"

Another guest's eyes narrowed at Victoria's flowing gown. "That dress hides something. Do you think she's... you know... with child?"

"Now that you mention it," a third voice joined in, "she did look different when she came in. That explains the sudden engagement!"

"Pregnant before marriage? How scandalous."

"If getting pregnant lands you a Blackwood, sign me up for scheming any day. That's hitting the jackpot!"