Chapter 306
Penelope Whitmore's palms turned clammy as she strode back to the dining room, her mind racing. How dare that scheming little viper Victoria Sterling threaten me!
She took comfort knowing there was no concrete evidence of her discreet manipulations over the years.
But Leonard Blackwood's affection had noticeably cooled. If Victoria kept pouring oil on troubled waters, Penelope's standing in the Blackwood household would deteriorate further.
She needed to resolve Victoria's debt situation without dipping into her own funds. The solution? A masterfully performed tearful plea before Leonard.
"Darling," Penelope placed her delicate hand over Leonard's clenched fist, her voice trembling with manufactured emotion. "I know Victoria made mistakes, but you've known her since childhood. Remember how sweet and obedient she used to be?"
Tears welled in her eyes as she continued, "With her mother imprisoned and father comatose, poor Victoria can't even afford basic necessities. Those ruthless debt collectors have terrified her into homelessness. I raised her too - how can I bear seeing her like this?"
She sniffled dramatically. "You've always been so generous and forgiving. Consider this an act of charity to help her through this difficult time. People will praise your benevolence."
Leonard's stern expression softened slightly. The manipulation was working.
Suddenly, a fist slammed onto the table.
The abrupt noise startled everyone. Cassandra Blackwood nearly choked on her food. Nathan Blackwood, who had remained silent throughout the meal, pulled a recording device from his pocket and tossed it onto the table.
"If you truly want to help Victoria," his voice dripped with icy sarcasm, "listen to this first."
Penelope's heart pounded violently. What game was Nathan playing now?
Leonard picked up the recorder with a puzzled frown and pressed play.
The voices of Dominic Reeves and Victoria Sterling filled the room:
"Don't make any moves against Evelyn until I give the signal. Things are progressing perfectly now that I've regained Nathan's trust. Leonard even approved our engagement - we'll announce it soon."
"And my five million dollars?"
"Must you be so impatient over petty cash? I'll transfer fifty thousand first. Blow it all if you want. Once Nathan and I are officially engaged, you'll get the balance."
When the recording ended, stunned silence gripped the dining room.
Penelope's face turned to stone. She bitterly regretted speaking up for Victoria now.
That brainless fool! How could she be so careless?! She deserves whatever's coming to her!
"Aunt Penelope," Nathan's bloodshot eyes burned with fury, "is this the 'sweet girl' you raised?"
His laugh held no humor. "You should thank my ex-wife for being sharp enough to expose your niece's treachery early. Had anything happened to Evelyn, I would have made Victoria's existence more painful than death itself."
Penelope gasped, staring at Nathan's merciless expression in shock.
She'd always assumed Nathan took after his father - sentimental, indecisive, emotionally vulnerable.
After all, he'd remained devoted to Victoria for years. Surely severing such deep emotional ties would be difficult?
She never anticipated this cold, ruthless version of Nathan. Whatever affection he'd held for Victoria had clearly evaporated.
"Victoria views me and our family as nothing but ATMs and stepping stones," Nathan wiped his lips with a napkin before rising gracefully.
His glacial gaze swept over them. "Chairman Blackwood, if you're determined to play philanthropist, there are countless orphanages, nursing homes, and schools across Crestview worthy of your generosity. Why waste it on a woman with such transparent ulterior motives?"