Chapter 458

Overnight, Cassandra Blackwood became the center of a raging storm on social media. Every action she took sent shockwaves through Crestview's elite circles. The most devastating blow? She single-handedly caused Blackwood Industries' stock to nosedive by half a billion dollars in twenty-four hours. A staggering achievement for all the wrong reasons.

The fallout escalated when international superstar Isabella Wang publicly severed ties with the Blackwood Hotel. By noon the next day, #BlackwoodScandal was trending globally, and the company's shares took another catastrophic plunge. The internet had no mercy for Cassandra.

[Some heiresses are born with silver spoons, others with plastic forks. Ms. Kingsley is grace personified—brilliant, compassionate, a visionary in both hospitality and jewelry design. Then there's Cassandra, whose only talent is scheming. Imagine treating Isabella Wang like this during her first visit to Crestview!]

[Don’t insult Ms. Kingsley by comparing her to Cassandra. They exist in different universes.]

[Predictable behavior from Cassandra. The apple doesn’t fall far from the rotten tree. #InvestigateBlackwoods]

[Is there a single decent human being in that family? Someone call the authorities!]

Nathan Blackwood didn’t wait for his father’s approval. As CEO, he summoned an emergency board meeting, leaving Cassandra’s seat conspicuously empty. She’d been "indisposed" since the scandal broke—too humiliated to show her face.

Nathan leaned forward, his broad shoulders casting a shadow over the polished mahogany table. His fingers steepled, his piercing gaze sweeping the room like a blade. "I trust everyone is aware of the disaster at Monarch Grand Hotels’ charity gala?"

A tense silence followed. Every executive nodded stiffly.

"Then I’ll make this brief." Nathan’s voice was ice. A flick of his wrist, and Oliver Sinclair stepped forward, unfolding a document.

Oliver’s voice rang clear:

"Regarding Director Cassandra Blackwood’s gross misconduct, Blackwood Industries announces the following disciplinary actions: Effective immediately, Ms. Blackwood is removed from her directorship, stripped of all hotel project authority, and mandated to cooperate fully with law enforcement. The damages resulting from her mishandling of Isabella Wang’s wedding contract are deemed personal liability. Blackwood Industries assumes no responsibility. All legal and financial repercussions will be borne solely by Ms. Blackwood."

Gasps erupted. Whispers slithered through the room like snakes.

Cassandra was the chairman’s daughter—Nathan’s half-sister. Even if they shared no love lost, this was brutal. The message was clear: cross Nathan Blackwood, and not even blood would save you.

"Absolutely not!" A shrill voice shattered the murmurs. Penelope Whitmore stormed in, diamonds flashing, her face twisted with fury.

Nathan didn’t flinch. "Oliver," he said coolly, "remove the unauthorized personnel."

Oliver moved swiftly, blocking Penelope’s path. "Madam, this is a private meeting. You’ll need to leave."

"Unhand me, you insignificant worm!" Penelope clawed at Oliver’s tie, her manicured nails scraping his throat. "I’m the chairman’s wife! This entire empire belongs to the Blackwoods. Who are you to dismiss me?"

The board members exchanged glances. If not for her declaration, they’d have mistaken her for a deranged socialite.

Nathan’s lips curled into a smirk colder than winter. "Madam Whitmore, there is no such title as ‘chairman’s wife’ on our corporate registry."

Penelope’s face purpled with rage.

Snickers rippled through the room.

"As for Cassandra’s fate," Nathan continued, "the decision is final. Any employee who disregards it will join her in unemployment."

"You heartless bastard!" Penelope shrieked.

But Nathan had already turned away, the dismissal in his posture more cutting than words. The war was far from over—but today, victory was his.