Chapter 123

The memory of Evelyn walking alone under the dim streetlight haunted Nathan.

Her bloodied forehead and that heartbreakingly solitary silhouette sent sharp pangs through his chest.

He owed her more than he could ever repay.

Old Master Blackwood glared at him. "If this were a sincere apology, why the anger? This just proves we wronged her!"

"Our company stocks and reputation will be ruined!"

Sophia Blackwood chimed in, "Exactly! Why must we apologize? We can settle this privately. The Sterling family's reputation isn't worth sacrificing. So what if she's William Sterling's daughter? We never forced her into marriage or divorce!"

A public apology would make Sophia the laughingstock of high society.

She couldn't bear that humiliation.

Nathan's icy stare made Sophia shrink back.

"Fine," he said coldly. "If not publicly, then we'll apologize at their doorstep."

"Absolutely not!" Margaret Blackwood protested. Having once treated Evelyn as inferior, she couldn't stomach bowing to her now.

"Enough!" Old Master Blackwood's face flushed with rage. He knew his grandson's capabilities. "Isn't there another way?"

"No." Nathan's expression darkened. "We've owed Evelyn this apology for too long."

With a heavy sigh, the old man relented. "Make the arrangements then."

"Grandpa!" Sophia whined.

Nathan turned his glacial gaze on her. "Sophia Blackwood, remember how you lost our family heirloom."

"One more misstep and you'll be cut off completely. Get a job like commoners do."

Sophia gasped. "Work? I'm a Blackwood! I'd be ridiculed!"

"Mother!" She turned to Margaret, who avoided her eyes, still guilty about the emerald pipe incident.

Nathan left without another word.

"Wait," his grandfather called. "I don't care about your affairs, but stay away from Vanessa Holloway. The Sterlings are furious, and we must repair relations."

Nathan didn't react, walking away silently.

Everyone had misunderstood his relationship with Vanessa - especially Evelyn.

Outside Blackwood Manor, Nathan called his assistant Harrison.

The PR department could draft an apology letter easily. The real challenge was Blackwood Corporation's stance.

It was a long night.

By noon the next day, as the world reeled from Evelyn's revelation as Sterling heiress, Blackwood Corporation issued a formal apology.

The letter debunked all internet rumors about Evelyn and included Nathan's personal apology for failing their marriage.

The internet exploded.

[Real-life drama! Someone pass the popcorn!]

[So they admit bullying Evelyn?]

[Indirect confession! Our Queen Evelyn is vindicated! Since her brave divorce announcement exposing the mistress, I'll always stand with her!]