Chapter 460

Nathan's lips twisted into a bitter smile, his dark eyes clouded with anguish. "Isn't Alexander already by her side? She has an entire army of brothers protecting her. Why should I be the one to comfort her? Do I look that pathetic to you?"

Oliver couldn't stand seeing his boss like this. "Mr. Blackwood! Your current standing in Evelyn's heart is precarious! Playing the fool might be your only chance! If you don't swallow your pride now, you'll lose her forever!"

Before Oliver could finish, Nathan shot him a glare so icy it made the secretary choke on his own words, coughing violently.

"We're divorced. Broken mirrors can't be fixed." Nathan's voice was rough, like gravel soaked in poison. "What's mine will always return. Chasing what isn't... that's a fool's errand. I don't regret letting her go. Not once."

Meanwhile, Penelope stormed into Cliffside Manor, her face streaked with tears. She burst into Leonard's study and collapsed against him, her expensive silk blouse absorbing the mess of her crying.

"Leonard! How could Nathan be so cruel? Cassandra is his own sister! Not helping her is bad enough, but to have her fired? How will she face anyone at the company now?" Penelope's voice rose hysterically. "He's turning Blackwood Industries into his personal dictatorship! Ever since becoming CEO, he's looked down on you even more!"

"I gave the order." Leonard pushed her away, irritation flashing across his face. Strangely, Penelope's tears which once melted his heart now only grated on his nerves. He longed for solitude, for the quiet corners where memories of Nathan's mother lingered.

That cold, unyielding woman who never shed a tear for him, never gazed at him with the adoration Penelope showed. His greatest regret was never truly conquering her heart. Penelope had been a balm to his wounded pride during those vulnerable years.

"Leonard... what did you say?" Penelope's tear-swollen face snapped up in shock.

"With this scandal, how could I possibly let her keep that position? If I intervened, what would happen to my authority as Chairman? To Blackwood Industries' reputation?" Leonard's voice turned glacial.

"Which matters more - our daughter or your precious reputation?" Penelope shrieked.

"I'm Cassandra's father." Leonard massaged his temples. "But I'm also responsible for thousands of employees! You can spoil her rotten, but I won't jeopardize this company!"

"Leonard! Have you stopped loving me?" The moment the childish words left Penelope's lips, she regretted them.

"Harrison has made it clear he'll fight for Evelyn to the bitter end. We're looking at a legal war." Leonard stood abruptly, sending Penelope tumbling onto the sofa. "Instead of crying here, go discipline your daughter! I've cleaned up her messes since she was five. She's twenty-five now - when will she grow up?"

Penelope trembled as Leonard's voice turned venomous. "What I don't understand is how Mary's child turned out so capable. Nathan took Blackwood Industries past Whitmore Enterprises - our equal for decades! And your children? What have they accomplished besides creating scandals? Stay home and reflect on your failures."

The door slammed like a gunshot. Left alone, Penelope's tears turned crimson with rage. "Mary... you bitch! Even dead, you haunt me!" Her laughter turned manic. "But it doesn't matter. I killed you once. Now I'll destroy what you loved most - your precious son!"

The memory of Nathan's words at the board meeting earlier that day fueled her fury like gasoline on fire. This war was far from over.