Chapter 7

The moment Evelyn stepped into the hospital room, Reginald Blackwood's frail appearance transformed. His dull eyes brightened instantly.

"Evelyn! Come here, my dear!"

Without hesitation, Evelyn switched into her dutiful granddaughter-in-law persona, settling gracefully beside him.

"Grandfather, how are you feeling? Are you in any pain?"

"All my aches vanish when I see you," he murmured, gripping her hand with surprising strength. His expression darkened. "Nathan told me the two of you are divorced. Is it true?"

Evelyn's lashes fluttered, her chest hollow. "Yes, Grandfather. We are."

Reginald's frail body trembled with fury as he turned on Nathan. "You fool! How could you let go of such a perfect wife? Evelyn is everything a man could want!"

Nathan remained silent, unwilling to agitate his grandfather further.

Evelyn softened her voice, gently rubbing the old man's back. "Please don't be angry. It was my decision. Nathan simply respected my wishes."

Nathan's brows furrowed. He had expected her to manipulate the situation, to use his grandfather as leverage against him.

Was this another ploy? A twisted way to make me reconsider?

"Evelyn," Reginald rasped, distress lining his face. "Did they mistreat you? Did Penelope make your life unbearable?"

"No, Grandfather. Nathan and I simply grew apart. Love shouldn't be forced."

Her luminous eyes held a quiet sorrow. "Don't blame him. We had three years of beautiful memories. That's enough for me."

Nathan stiffened.

Beautiful memories?

Their marriage had been a cold transaction—no ceremony, no celebration. Just a signature at the courthouse and a silent ride to Cliffside Manor.

Had she truly cherished those years? Or was this another calculated act?

"Evelyn… Did I make a mistake?" Reginald's voice cracked with regret. "I only wanted your happiness. I never imagined this ungrateful boy would—"

"Don't say that," Evelyn interrupted gently. "Some things aren't meant to be."

She had released thirteen years of unrequited love. The pain of letting go was hers alone to bear.

"Marcus!" Reginald called suddenly. "Bring me the gift!"

His assistant produced an exquisite velvet box. Inside lay an antique jade bracelet, its emerald hue glowing under the light.

Evelyn recognized its value instantly—a priceless heirloom, centuries old.

"Grandfather, isn't that Grandmother's?" Nathan's voice was tight.

"Yes. The very one I gave her when we were young." Reginald's fingers traced the jade lovingly. "She always said it was her favorite. She wanted it to go to the woman who captured my grandson's heart."

His gaze settled on Evelyn. "And that woman is you."

Evelyn recoiled. "I can't accept this. Not anymore."

"Then I'll shatter it." Reginald raised his arm dramatically.

"No!" She caught his wrist, pulse racing. "I'll take it. Thank you."

The bracelet slid onto her slender wrist, the jade enhancing her porcelain skin.

Nathan found himself staring. He'd never noticed how delicate her hands were.

"What did you give her for her birthday?" Reginald demanded.

Nathan's jaw clenched.

Evelyn smiled faintly. "Nathan gave me an unforgettable gift."

The divorce papers.

Clever, Nathan thought bitterly. Always so sharp with your words.

"Evelyn," Reginald pleaded, "is there truly no hope?"

She cupped his wrinkled hands. "If you love me, let me choose my own path."

Reginald exhaled shakily. "Then grant me one request. Wait until after my birthday to finalize the divorce. Just a few more weeks."

"Grandfather—" Nathan began.

"Is it too much to ask?" Reginald snapped. "Or would you rather parade that Victoria woman in front of me instead?"

Outside the door, Victoria seethed.

"Stop pacing," Penelope hissed. "That old man won't live forever."

Victoria gritted her teeth. "But if he doesn't die soon—"

"Patience. As long as Nathan loves you, nothing else matters."

The door opened.

Victoria's eyes locked onto the jade bracelet—stunning, radiant. That should have been mine.

With a calculated stumble, she lunged at Evelyn.

Evelyn sidestepped gracefully.

Victoria crashed to the floor—and her own bracelet shattered.