Chapter 43
Penelope's voice trembled. "But my sister's family is innocent. They run legitimate businesses. It's completely unjust that they're suffering like this."
She hesitated before adding, "Besides, Victoria is engaged to Nathan now."
"Legitimate businesses?" Reginald scoffed, his lips curling in disdain. "They're nothing but opportunistic vultures!"
Penelope's face paled.
"Do you take me for a fool?" Reginald snapped. "Even in retirement, I know exactly what's happening. The Sterlings brought this upon themselves with their shady dealings."
His glare sharpened. "And don't use Nathan as an excuse. If he marries that woman, I won't recognize him as my grandson! All of you can leave! When I die, I don’t want any of you at my funeral!"
Leonard sighed heavily. "Father..."
Penelope's shoulders shook with silent sobs, but her eyes burned with venom.
I've had enough of this wretched old man. Twenty years of bowing to him—I hope he rots in hell!
"Grandfather!"
Nathan strode into the room, reaching out to steady Reginald, but the old man shoved him away.
"Don't pretend to care! You're just like your father—brainwashed by that conniving family!"
"I won't interfere with the Sterlings," Nathan said, his voice eerily calm. "I've made my position clear."
Reginald's eyes flickered with surprise. "Really?"
"Yes. Sterling Corporation is at fault. I won’t intervene."
"And what about you and that woman?"
Nathan's expression remained indifferent. "That has nothing to do with Victoria. Our wedding will proceed as planned."
Reginald snorted. "Fine. At least you're not as foolish as your father." He waved a dismissive hand.
He couldn’t understand his grandson. Why would Nathan divorce Evelyn only to marry her?
"Aunt Penelope."
Nathan turned to her, his tone icy. "I understand you want to help the Sterlings—after all, Margaret is your sister. But if your actions harm Blackwood Industries, then you're betraying the very loyalty you claim to uphold."
Penelope's lips pressed into a thin line, her face flushing with humiliation.
This ruthless bastard! He's always been cold, even as a child!
"Victoria is my fiancée, but I don’t mix personal matters with business." Nathan’s gaze shifted to Leonard. "Father, as chairman, you should prioritize the company’s interests above all else."
Leonard’s expression darkened. He knew he was in the wrong.
"I wasn’t helping the Sterlings for Penelope’s sake," he admitted. "I just returned from a summit in Valmont. I was supposed to meet a key partner for the Westridge project, but he canceled last minute."
His jaw tightened. "Later, I learned Sebastian Kingsley intercepted him. I don’t know what deal he offered, but our partnership collapsed. Everything happening to us—it’s all connected to the Kingsleys. They’re targeting us deliberately, and I won’t let them trample over us!"
Reginald’s eyes darkened.
The Blackwoods of Crestview and the Kingsleys of Fairhaven had been bitter rivals for generations. Old Mrs. Kingsley had even sworn that none of her descendants would ever marry a Blackwood.
Now, Sebastian was striking back—first sabotaging their hotel venture, then this.
"Wait."
Nathan stiffened. "Father, did you say you saw Sebastian in Valmont?"
"Yes."
"Today?"
Leonard nodded.
Nathan’s mind raced.
Sebastian had been at the hospital to pick up Evelyn this afternoon. How could he be in Valmont at the same time?
Had the man he saw not been Sebastian?
If not… then who was he?