Chapter 367

The secretary switched on the flat-screen television, tuning it to the afternoon news broadcast.

It was that cursed Three O'Clock News segment again.

Nathan Blackwood's jaw tightened. Ever since losing the Westridge project bid, he couldn't stomach watching business news without feeling physically ill.

"Welcome back to our afternoon headlines," the anchor announced with polished professionalism. "International superstar Isabella Laurent has arrived in Crestview, causing quite the media frenzy."

Nathan's fingers dug into the armrests of his chair.

"Sources confirm Ms. Laurent chose our city to honor her late mother's final wish - to hold her wedding in her mother's hometown. Both Blackwood Industries and Monarch Grand Hotels have been competing fiercely for the honor of hosting this celebrity wedding. After extensive consideration, Ms. Laurent has made her final decision."

Nathan's mouth went completely dry as the broadcast cut to exterior shots of a luxury hotel.

"We're pleased to announce Monarch Grand Hotels as the chosen venue for Isabella Laurent's wedding ceremony."

The blood drained from Nathan's face. A deafening roar filled his ears as if he'd been struck by lightning.

Cassandra Blackwood barely concealed her smirk.

With this spectacular failure, her path to power within Blackwood Industries became clearer. Nathan's incompetence would be his undoing.

The screen transitioned to an exclusive interview with Isabella Laurent.

The actress explained her decision with effortless grace. "While Blackwood Industries certainly has its merits in the hospitality sector, Monarch's wedding proposal simply resonated with me more. This wasn't about quality or service - just personal preference."

Nathan snatched the remote and violently shut off the television. The device shattered against the mahogany conference table.

"Some brilliant long-term strategy you had," Leonard Blackwood sneered, his face purple with rage. "Not only did you lose the Laurent wedding, but your pathetic PR stunt last night only helped our competitors. Explain to me exactly how you plan to salvage this disaster?"

Before Nathan could respond, Cassandra intervened with practiced concern. "Father, please don't upset yourself."

Cassandra, ever her mother Penelope's daughter, knew defending Nathan now would only deepen Leonard's resentment. "Isabella made it perfectly clear this was about personal taste, not our capabilities. Nathan did everything possible. That Evelyn Carter is simply too cunning - always three steps ahead. Such is business, I suppose."

Nathan's head snapped up, his glare murderous. "Evelyn played fair. The failure is entirely ours."

Cassandra's eyes narrowed to slits as she bit her tongue. How noble of you to defend your ex-wife now that the damage is done. Keep digging that grave, brother dear.

"Tell me you didn't throw this deliberately, Nathan," Leonard demanded, veins bulging at his temples.

"Of course not." Nathan kept his gaze lowered.

"Need I remind you that woman is your ex-wife?" Leonard slammed his fist on the table. "She has no connection to Blackwood Industries anymore - she's the enemy. Not even a friendly acquaintance. That scheming witch has been a thorn in our side for months. I've tolerated her interference out of respect for your past relationship, but my patience has limits!"

Nathan's hands clenched into white-knuckled fists as he met his father's livid stare, his own eyes burning with barely restrained fury.

"What's that look, boy? You challenging me now?" Despite his bluster, Leonard's pulse quickened.

That same dangerous glint had been in Nathan's eyes years ago when his mother leapt from the penthouse balcony. Even now, decades later, Leonard could still see the ghost of that moment staring back at him through his son's eyes.