Chapter 122

The internet was ablaze with outrage.

Every social media platform had turned into a battleground against the Blackwoods for their mistreatment of the vulnerable.

Yet the Blackwood family remained eerily silent amidst the storm. Speaking too soon would only confirm their guilt in the court of public opinion.

Highland Estates glowed ominously against the night sky.

Inside, the atmosphere was suffocating. No one dared to breathe too loudly except for Old Master Blackwood.

When Sterling Corporation's stocks had crashed years ago, Alexander Sterling had single-handedly salvaged the situation.

Tonight, the stock market had turned its fangs toward the Blackwoods instead.

Old Master Blackwood's face was stormy, his expression bitter. His fury only intensified when he learned Nathan hadn't returned home.

"Where the hell is he?!" The old man slammed his cane against the marble floor.

The butler trembled. "We can't reach Young Master Blackwood. His phone goes straight to voicemail, and his assistant claims ignorance of his whereabouts."

"Unbelievable!" The old man's voice boomed. "After three years of marriage, he never noticed anything unusual about Evelyn?!"

His heart pounded violently, threatening to burst from his chest. Had he known Evelyn was the Sterling heiress—a perfect match for their family—he would never have allowed her suffering under their roof.

The divorce alone was scandalous enough, but now?

They had lost everything—money, reputation, and worst of all, their priceless family heirloom!

His furious gaze snapped toward Margaret and Sophia, who stood frozen nearby.

"Useless women! You've brought nothing but disgrace to this family!"

Margaret bit her lip, resentment flashing in her eyes. "Father, Evelyn deceived us all. How is this our fault? Weren't you the one who approved her background check before the wedding?"

The old man's cane struck the floor again. "And who stole my emerald pipe? You dare speak back to me?!"

That cursed pipe haunted him more than the financial ruin.

Margaret's eyes welled with tears, but she stayed silent. Sophia, ever the coward, didn't dare breathe a word.

Then—salvation.

The butler rushed in. "Young Master has returned!"

Relief washed over the women. Finally.

Margaret's eyes reddened. With her husband Charles away on business, Nathan was her only hope to weather the old man's wrath.

She had failed as the lady of Highland Estates.

The moment Nathan stepped into the room, Old Master Blackwood hurled a priceless Ming vase at his feet.

"Decided to grace us with your presence?"

Nathan stepped over the shattered porcelain, his expression unreadable. "We'll handle this."

His grandfather scoffed. "Handle it? Your father won't return for weeks!"

"By then, it'll be too late." Nathan's lips curled into a cold smile.

The old man narrowed his eyes. "Then what do you suggest?"

Nathan's voice was ice. "Exactly what the Sterlings demand."

"Apologize."