Chapter 101

When Harrison discovered the truth, he could hardly believe his ears.

The revelation that Old Master Blackwood would stoop to such underhanded tactics against his former daughter-in-law left him speechless.

Even Harrison found himself pitying Evelyn Sinclair.

Nathan Blackwood remained silent for what felt like an eternity, the oppressive quiet in the office growing heavier by the second.

With a sudden violent motion, Nathan kicked his chair across the room. Snatching his jacket, he stormed out with thunderous footsteps, his expression dark as a gathering storm.

His sports car tore through the streets toward Highland Estates. Spotting a maid in the foyer, Nathan demanded in a dangerously low voice, "Where is my grandfather?"

The maid trembled visibly. "The Old Master has gone to Aspen Lodge, Young Master."

Nathan turned sharply, but the maid hurried after him. "Young Master, the Old Master said... he won't see you until the matter is resolved."

Nathan froze mid-step. His piercing gaze locked onto the terrified maid. "What did you just say?"

The maid paled and shrank back, too frightened to repeat herself.

Clenching his jaw, Nathan returned to his car and dialed his grandfather's number with forceful jabs at his phone screen.

The line rang endlessly before finally connecting.

"I knew you'd come crawling back because of that woman," came the aged, mocking voice. "You've shown remarkable restraint not dealing with her sooner."

"I said I would handle this," Nathan growled, his knuckles white around the steering wheel. The temperature in the car seemed to drop several degrees.

Old Master Blackwood chuckled darkly. "Handle it? She despises our family. Do you honestly believe she'll return my antique pipe willingly? Impossible!"

"That doesn't justify smearing her reputation. What about her future?"

"Her future?" The old man scoffed. "I gave her a chance. She thought she could waltz into the Sterling family without showing me basic respect. Now she'll learn what happens when you cross me!"

His voice turned venomous. "Stay out of this, Nathan. Consider yourself lucky to be rid of that woman. She would've brought nothing but shame to the Blackwood name!" The line went dead with a decisive click.

Old Master Blackwood watched with satisfaction as the online attacks against Evelyn grew increasingly vicious. By afternoon, he descended for tea, asking casually, "Any response from that woman?"

He'd expected Evelyn to come begging for forgiveness by now - not just for the pipe, but on her knees, properly humbled.

The butler hesitated. "There's been no contact, sir."

"What?" The old man's teacup clattered against its saucer. "None at all?"

"We've had people monitoring her apartment. She hasn't left all day. No statements to the press either. It's as if..." The butler trailed off nervously.

"As if she doesn't care?" Old Master Blackwood's face twisted into a sneer. "Nonsense. She's hiding in fear. Give it time. Soon enough, she'll come crawling back in tears!"

But by the next morning, his confidence began to waver.

"Still nothing?" he demanded at breakfast.

The butler shook his head. "Same as yesterday. No movement from her residence."

Old Master Blackwood's brow furrowed. "What about Sterling Corporation?"

"Minor stock fluctuation initially, but Alexander Sterling stabilized things quickly. No other reaction."

"Hmph. That Alexander is competent, I'll give him that. Pity about his taste in sisters." The old man muttered, "How could William Sterling allow such a woman near his son?"

Just then, Evelyn's phone rang. She glanced at the unfamiliar number with mild curiosity before answering. "Who is this?"

"Old Master Blackwood," came the smug reply - the architect of her current troubles.

Lucas Sterling nudged her urgently. "Evie! The livestream's starting! We need to go now!"

Without hesitation, Evelyn ended the call.