Chapter 485

Nathan delivered his cutting remarks with icy precision before turning on his heel and striding away.

Lawrence remained frozen in place, his entire body rigid with humiliation.

Coming from a prestigious legal dynasty where his father served as a Supreme Court justice, Lawrence had always been the golden child. His brothers worshipped the ground he walked on while his parents expected nothing less than perfection.

Success came effortlessly to him. By thirty, he'd become the most sought-after attorney in Crestview, with corporate titans groveling for his counsel.

Never in his privileged life had he been so thoroughly insulted.

Wait a minute.

Lawrence's brow furrowed as he watched Nathan's retreating figure with narrowed eyes.

Something didn't add up about Nathan's relationship with Evelyn. The famously aloof Nathan Blackwood losing his temper over a woman? Unheard of.

Evelyn was Harrison Kingsley's daughter - a fact Lawrence knew well. A woman of her caliber wouldn't settle for anything less than perfection in a partner.

There was only one logical explanation: Nathan harbored feelings for Evelyn, though she was clearly out of his league.

So what if the man had striking features?

Nathan's mother had died without ever marrying his father. His current position as CEO of Blackwood Industries was nothing more than a pity appointment from Reginald.

Lawrence's lips curled into a sneer. "For all your wealth and fancy titles, you're still a bastard, Nathan Blackwood. Delusional to think you're worthy of Ms. Kingsley."

With renewed confidence, Lawrence entered the VIP lounge wearing a mask of charm.

The assembled guests blinked in surprise when Lawrence appeared moments after Nathan.

"Father, this is Lawrence Pembroke," Leonard announced enthusiastically. "Mr. Pembroke was instrumental in securing Cassandra's release. I was thinking of appointing him as head of our corporate legal division. What do you think?"

"Reginald Blackwood, what an honor." Lawrence offered a perfectly calibrated smile. "I've long admired your accomplishments."

"Lawrence Pembroke?" Reginald studied him with piercing eyes. "Walter Pembroke's eldest boy?"

"Yes, sir. Justice Pembroke is my father." Lawrence's chest swelled with pride. "Were you and my father acquainted?"

Nathan's jaw tightened at the familiar exchange.

He despised pretentious social climbers like Lawrence. But Reginald clearly knew the Pembroke patriarch.

"We've met." Reginald's smile didn't reach his eyes. "Your father presided over my youngest son Gary's trial. Such a fair judge - gave my boy four years in prison."

The room went deathly silent.

Lawrence's carefully constructed composure shattered as the blood drained from his face.

Leonard flinched as dark memories resurfaced, his expression turning grim. Nathan noted his father's reaction with interest.

"My father takes his judicial duties seriously," Lawrence stammered. "On his behalf, I'd like to—"

"Apologize?" Reginald cut him off with an arched brow. "Did your father make an error in judgment? Why would his son need to apologize for a judge doing his job properly?"

Lawrence opened and closed his mouth like a fish out of water.

"A judge's duty is to be impartial," Reginald continued smoothly. "By apologizing, are you suggesting your father abused his authority?"

"You misunderstand, Mr. Blackwood," Lawrence forced a laugh that came out strangled. "I merely meant—"

"I know exactly what you meant." Reginald's voice turned glacial. "I've heard all about you, boy. How you specialize in helping wealthy clients evade justice. Frankly, I never would have guessed you were Walter's son. You're nothing like him."