Chapter 98

Nathan responded, stepping closer to Evelyn with deliberate strides. His piercing gaze locked onto her tear-streaked face.

Twin trails of glistening tears adorned her delicate features, resembling dewdrops on rose petals at dawn. The sight was both heartbreaking and breathtaking.

Evelyn felt heat rising to her cheeks. A single tear escaped her long lashes, tracing a path down her flushed skin.

Nathan's breath hitched. His chest tightened as he watched Evelyn struggle to compose herself.

"You idiot! Comfort your wife this instant!" Reginald barked, his cane thumping against the marble floor.

"Why should I? I didn't make her cry." Nathan's brow furrowed in genuine confusion.

Reginald's face turned crimson. "Because Evelyn is your wife! Should an old man like me have to do your job? Are you completely daft?"

"Grandfather, Nathan and I are divorced. I'm not—"

"Nonsense!" Reginald cut her off sharply. "Once married, always connected. That fool hasn't done right by you in three years. The least he owes you is an apology!"

The word 'divorce' made Reginald's heart clench painfully. His voice trembled with emotion. "You ungrateful brat! If you don't make this right today, don't you dare call me Grandfather again!"

Nathan pressed his lips into a thin line. "My apologies," he murmured.

Evelyn's red-rimmed eyes widened. Her pulse quickened at the unexpected words.

In all their years together, this marked Nathan's first apology.

Too bad it lacked any real sincerity.

"Bow properly!" Reginald commanded.

"Must I?" Nathan's eyebrow arched in disbelief.

"Consider yourself lucky I'm not making you kneel on broken glass like I did for your grandmother! Show some damn sincerity! Evelyn is precious to me. I won't tolerate you treating her lightly. Now!"

Cornered by his grandfather's demands, Nathan exhaled sharply. He took a measured step back, placed a hand over his heart, and executed a perfect formal bow.

"My sincerest apologies, Ms. Carter. Please accept my humble contrition."

The theatrical scene brought an unexpected twinkle to Reginald's eyes. Was this what matchmaking felt like?

Evelyn's blush deepened. Her sobs quieted as she observed Nathan's stiff posture. Despite herself, amusement flickered in her chest.

Secretly, she relished seeing the proud Nathan Blackwood bow before her, regardless of his sincerity.

Just as Nathan began to straighten, Reginald snapped, "Hold that position until Evelyn grants you permission to rise! Don't you dare move a muscle!"

Seconds ticked by in silence.

Evelyn remained deliberately quiet.

Nathan's jaw clenched. She's enjoying this far too much.

Only when she noticed the vein throbbing in Nathan's temple did Evelyn finally speak in a gentle tone. "Grandfather, this really isn't Nathan's fault. Please don't make him suffer needlessly."

Nathan seethed with humiliation.

Clever girl, playing the angel while putting me through this charade!

Yet his anger softened slightly when he noticed how swollen her almond-shaped eyes had become from crying.

At dinner, Evelyn wheeled Reginald into the lavish dining hall while Nathan trailed behind. The table groaned under an extravagant spread prepared specially for Evelyn.

They had just taken their seats when Oliver entered with urgent news, whispering in Nathan's ear.

"Speak plainly if you have something to say!" Reginald snapped. "No secrets at my table - we're family here."

Oliver hesitated, looking to Nathan for guidance.

"Out with it," Nathan commanded coolly.

"Yes, sir." Oliver cleared his throat. "Madam Penelope called. She didn't wish to disturb your dinner with Master Reginald, so she asked me to relay a message..."

"That woman at least knows her place," Reginald muttered darkly.

Oliver continued nervously. "Madam Penelope reports that Ms. Sterling has been diagnosed with acute depressive disorder."