Chapter 312

Nathan froze momentarily, taken aback by her bluntness. "And what do you think about that?"

Eleanor's response came swift and unshaken. "I believe it's the right decision. The divorce would benefit both Nathan and Evelyn."

Her words left Leonard speechless. He hadn't anticipated Eleanor would endorse the idea so wholeheartedly.

"Eleanor, you..." Leonard exhaled heavily, resignation weighing his voice down. "Surely you see how deeply Evelyn cares for Nathan? Why would you want them to separate? Being with the man she loves should bring her genuine happiness!"

"Happiness? Joy?" Eleanor let out a mirthless laugh. "Forgive me, Leonard, but I don't witness any of that."

She paused briefly, her gaze steady. "Answer me truthfully—do you honestly believe Evelyn has known a single day of happiness since marrying your son?"

Leonard's face stiffened. He wanted to argue, but the words died in his throat.

Eleanor's lips curved into a knowing smile. "This marriage has always been one-sided, Leonard. Your son never wanted to wed Evelyn from the beginning."

"But feelings can develop over time!" Leonard protested, his voice rising suddenly.

Eleanor's tone turned razor-sharp. "Years, Leonard. They've been married for years. If affection was going to blossom, wouldn't it have happened by now?"

Leonard stood frozen, unable to counter.

After a tense silence, he murmured, "Perhaps they just need more time. I still believe—"

"There's no need," Eleanor cut in firmly. "Leonard, I love Evelyn more than you can fathom. I refuse to watch her waste her love on someone who doesn't return it. I don't care about wealth or status—I only want her to find someone who truly values her. Surely you understand that?"

Leonard's shoulders slumped under the weight of her words.

He couldn't deny the painful truth in her statement. He knew his son had given Evelyn nothing but uncertainty—a hollow marriage devoid of the love she deserved. Eleanor's stance wasn't selfish; it came from pure grandmotherly love.

Before Leonard could respond, Eleanor rose abruptly, her expression grave.

"Leonard," she began, voice trembling with emotion, "I ask only one thing. If after your birthday they still choose divorce, don't stand in their way."

Then, to Leonard's shock, Eleanor started to bow before him.

"Eleanor, please don't—" Leonard stammered, springing up to stop her.

His hand rested gently on her shoulder as he sighed in defeat. "Very well," he conceded quietly. "If that's their final decision, I won't interfere."

Eleanor exhaled deeply, relief washing over her features. "Thank you, Leonard," she whispered.

Downstairs, Nathan emerged from the restroom, adjusting his shirt cuffs, when he noticed Isabelle lingering nearby.

Spotting Nathan, Isabelle straightened and called out, "Mr. Black, might I have a word?"