Chapter 303

"Master Nathan!"

Agnes Thornton's voice echoed down the hospital corridor as she hurried toward Nathan Blackwood, her arms laden with shopping bags.

"Nathan." The weary man rose immediately to relieve her burden. "What brings you here at this hour?"

"When Oliver mentioned Grandfather Reginald's hospitalization and that you'd be staying overnight, I thought you might need supplies." Agnes began unpacking toiletries and neatly folded clothes. "I've also prepared midnight snacks for you and Oliver."

Nathan's gaze dropped to the steaming containers. The warmth radiating from them contrasted sharply with the cold numbness in his chest.

"Thank you, Agnes, but I'm not hungry. Oliver can have them." The recent events had left him emotionally drained, his appetite nonexistent.

"I-I couldn't possibly!" Oliver Sinclair shook his head vigorously. "That wouldn't be proper, sir."

"Honestly!" Agnes huffed, grabbing a croissant and shoving it unceremoniously into Nathan's mouth. "Are you moping over that scheming Victoria Sterling? Pathetic! I expected better from you!"

Nathan managed a wry smile as he chewed the forced offering. "This isn't about her."

"Then what? Young Madam Evelyn?" Agnes's knowing eyes sparkled with mischief.

Nathan choked, his cheeks coloring faintly. "Ahem. It's Grandfather's condition that concerns me."

"Since we're at the hospital," Agnes said with exaggerated innocence, "perhaps we should schedule a brain scan for you first thing tomorrow."

Oliver discreetly signaled his approval behind Nathan's back. Only Agnes dared speak to the formidable Blackwood heir with such candor.

"Agnes." Nathan's voice turned glacial. "I recognize my past mistakes regarding Evelyn because of Victoria's interference. But even without Victoria, my marriage to Evelyn would have ended. Our union was Grandfather's arrangement, not a love match. I don't regret the divorce."

"Three years, Master Nathan! Three years Madam Evelyn devoted to you heart and soul!" Agnes's voice cracked with emotion. "Even glaciers melt with that kind of warmth! Are you truly telling me you feel nothing for her? Nothing at all?"

"I don't love Evelyn."

Nathan's pulse stuttered as the lie left his lips. "Without love, why should I keep her bound to me?"

Oliver's shoulders slumped in silent disappointment. He'd witnessed the subtle changes in his employer whenever Evelyn was mentioned.

But Nathan's traumatic past - his mother's suicide, his family's neglect, Victoria's betrayal - had erected impenetrable emotional walls.

"Master Nathan," Agnes sighed, "there's no shame in admitting mistakes or seeking forgiveness. Surely your pride isn't worth sacrificing a lifetime's happiness?" Her expression softened. "If you'd just be honest with yourself, I'd help you win her back!"

"Me too!" Oliver chimed in eagerly before catching Nathan's withering glare that promised imminent transfer to a Siberian mining operation.

"Oh! Almost forgot." Agnes produced a sleek voice recorder from her pocket. "A distinguished gentleman visited Cliffside Manor tonight and asked me to deliver this."

Nathan accepted the device warily. "Who was it?"

"He introduced himself as Mr. Winslow."

Nathan's breath hitched. Exchanging a glance with Oliver, he pressed play.