Chapter 99

Nathan's fork clattered onto the marble floor, his eyes widening in shock.

Evelyn's heart turned to ice as she watched Nathan's panicked reaction to Victoria's name.

"Ms. Sterling has been hysterical all evening, constantly calling for you," Oliver reported with urgency. "Her emotional state is deteriorating rapidly."

"Madam Whitmore insists you come immediately. She fears Ms. Sterling might harm herself."

Before Oliver could finish, Nathan was already on his feet, storming out of the dining room.

"You fool! If you go to that woman, you're no grandson of mine!" Reginald Blackwood slammed his fist on the table, his face red with fury.

But it was too late. Nathan had already vanished from sight.

Evelyn blinked back tears as she gently placed a comforting hand on Reginald's trembling shoulder. "Grandfather, please don't blame yourself. You've done more than enough for me. Some things... some relationships just aren't meant to be."

Outside Cliffside Manor, Nathan was about to jump into his car when a voice stopped him cold.

"Mr. Blackwood!"

He turned to see Evelyn standing under the golden porch lights, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. Something twisted in his chest at the sight.

Before he could speak, Evelyn continued in a steady voice, "Your sister assaulted one of my hotel employees today. The girl suffered an epileptic seizure because of Cassandra's actions."

Nathan's brows drew together in surprise. This wasn't what he'd expected her to say.

"Tell your sister this isn't over. She will answer for what she's done to my staff."

The faint hope in Nathan's eyes died instantly. "Cassandra makes her own choices. I don't involve myself in her personal affairs."

"So this is just 'personal affairs' to you?" Evelyn's laugh was bitter. "I see."

Without another word, she turned and walked back into the manor, leaving Nathan standing in the cold night air.

An unfamiliar chill ran down his spine.

Was Evelyn... laughing at him?

That night, Nathan stayed at the Sterling residence until dawn, watching over Victoria in her depressive episode. Though part of him remained wary after the incident with Evelyn, seeing Victoria's severe depression diagnosis report stirred something dark and painful in his soul.

Depression was a wound he knew all too well.

"Mr. Blackwood?" Oliver hesitated, phone in hand. "There's... a situation."

Nathan rubbed his tired eyes. "What is it?"

"A video has surfaced online of Ms. Cassandra verbally abusing a hotel housekeeper. PR wants to know how to handle it before it damages Blackwood Industries' reputation."

"Delete it." Nathan's voice was flat. "Make sure nothing remains. Cassandra's personal issues won't affect the company."

"Yes, sir!"

Returning to Cliffside Manor in the early hours, Nathan found Agnes waiting in her nightgown, worry lines creasing her face.

"Agnes, I told you not to wait up for me." Despite his exhaustion, warmth bloomed in his chest. Agnes had been like a second mother to him since childhood.

"Nathan, there's warm food in the kitchen," Agnes fretted. "And please, for once, try to get some proper sleep. These late nights are making your migraines worse."

She sighed heavily. "If only Young Madam were still here. She took such good care of you these past three years. That poor girl worked herself to the bone for you - it breaks my heart to see how much she's suffered."