Chapter 427

The Blackwood family gathered at Moonlight Cove for their monthly dinner with Reginald.

For once, they appeared united. Even Cassandra poured Eleanor a drink, urging her to eat more as if they were the closest of sisters.

Eleanor sat beside Nathan, keeping her head down and focusing on her meal without engaging in conversation.

Though socially reserved, Eleanor had her pride.

She neither accepted Cassandra's drink nor acknowledged her.

"Father, Penelope and I have reached a decision," Leonard began, sitting with impeccable posture, every inch the refined gentleman. "We wanted to share it with you and hear your thoughts."

"If you've already decided, why bother telling me?"

Reginald didn’t look up from his plate. "Can't your wife handle it? She’s always been your advisor—that’s how you’ve managed all these years."

Penelope’s smile tightened, malice flickering in her eyes.

Every month, she dreaded this dinner with the old man and his biting remarks. The night before, she barely slept.

She counted the days until fate would finally silence him.

Leonard cleared his throat, frowning as he squeezed Penelope’s hand under the table. "Cassandra is at the perfect age for marriage. We should start considering her future."

Cassandra pressed her lips together, cheeks flushing.

"Marriage?"

Reginald set down his fork, brow furrowing. "She’s only twenty-five. Too young. I want my granddaughters to stay with me for at least two more years before rushing into anything."

Leonard fell silent.

"Besides, our girls won’t lack suitors. Even at fifty-two, men would still be lining up for them."

Reginald eyed Leonard suspiciously. "Don’t tell me Blackwood Industries is in trouble and you’re planning to sell her off for a business alliance."

"You misunderstand, Father. The company is fine," Penelope interjected with a forced smile.

"Let me make one thing clear, Leonard." Reginald’s voice turned sharp. "I won’t allow you to trade your daughter for profit. I don’t care if Blackwood Industries collapses tomorrow—marriage for business is unacceptable. Understood?"

"Oh, Grandfather, you’re overreacting."

Cassandra clung to Reginald’s arm, swaying playfully. "Mother and Father only want what’s best for me. This has nothing to do with business. I feel ready to marry."

"Ready?" Reginald blinked in surprise. Cassandra nodded demurely.

Time was passing too quickly.

"You’ve got it all wrong, Father. We didn’t pressure her," Penelope said, beaming. "Cassandra wants this. She’s already set her heart on someone."

Reginald raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And who might that be?"

"You know him."

Leonard smiled. "It’s Julian, Father."

Nathan continued eating slowly, his expression unreadable—though a storm brewed behind his eyes.

"Julian? Julian Montgomery?" Reginald’s eyes widened.

Penelope nodded. "That’s right."

Clang.

The sudden noise drew everyone’s attention.

Eleanor had dropped her silverware.

In a family like the Blackwoods, where etiquette was sacred, such clumsiness was unforgivable.

"I—I’m sorry."

Pale-faced, Eleanor scrambled to pick it up, but Nathan leaned down and retrieved it for her.

"Don’t worry. Just ask for a new set." His gentle smile eased her embarrassment.

"Th-Thank you, Nathan," Eleanor whispered, lowering her head.

Cassandra’s eyes narrowed dangerously, a smirk playing on her lips.