Chapter 74

Before Gregory could finish, Olivia cut him off sharply, "I'm rather occupied at the moment, so I'll have to ask you to leave now." Recognizing the steel in Olivia's tone, Gregory realized further negotiation was pointless. His expression darkened as he reluctantly ushered Dylan and Serena out.

The moment they stepped into the car, Gregory slammed the door shut with a resounding bang, making Dylan and Serena stiffen in their seats, barely daring to breathe. Once settled, Gregory turned to Serena, his voice icy. "You knew we were here to reconcile with Evelyn, yet you contacted Nathan last night. Were you deliberately trying to cause trouble for her?"

His gaze hardened like flint. "Or is it that you only care about yourself? Do you even consider the consequences your actions might bring upon the rest of us?" His words were razor-sharp.

Serena paled, her hands trembling as she rushed to explain. "No, that’s not it at all! I was feeling terribly ill last night. With my mother away in Soling and Dylan unreachable, I had no choice but to ask Nathan for help. I just needed him to bring me some medicine." She paused, swallowing hard. "Please believe me. I never intended to cause any trouble for Evelyn."

Dylan jumped to her defense. "Father, Serena wouldn’t do something like that intentionally. You know her."

Gregory’s expression remained stern. After a tense silence, he issued a warning.

"Remember this—Evelyn isn’t the same person she was three years ago. The way the Caldwell family stands behind her now speaks volumes about their regard for her. From this moment on, you will both keep your distance and avoid stirring up any trouble for her. Understood?"

Then, as if struck by a sudden thought, he added, "And as long as Evelyn and Nathan are married, Serena, you are to stay away from Nathan. No exceptions."

At his words, Serena’s face drained of all color.

She bit her lip, remaining silent. Dylan, however, looked bewildered. "Father, you were the one who always supported Serena being with Nathan! Besides, if they married, it would benefit our family!"

Gregory’s reply was chillingly calm. "Are Serena and Nathan married right now?"

He had once encouraged their relationship because it cost the Thornton family nothing—in fact, it would have been advantageous had Serena married Nathan. But things had changed. Nathan’s wife now had the full backing of the Caldwell family. Gregory knew that if Serena entangled herself with Nathan while he was still married, it would spell disaster for the Thorntons. The Caldwells would not tolerate such a scandal, and the Thorntons would bear the brunt of their wrath.

Dylan faltered, but then insisted, "Nathan said he’ll divorce Evelyn in a month and marry Serena afterward."

Gregory had no patience left. "We’ll discuss it after the divorce is finalized." He had no desire to hear another word from either of them. Turning to the driver, he snapped, "Drive!"

Dylan fell silent, the tension in the car thick enough to suffocate.