Chapter 121

Alfred Blackwood sat motionless for what felt like hours after Vivian's press conference ended. His wrinkled hands rested on his cane, fingers tapping an absent rhythm.

Nathaniel watched his grandfather's profile, relieved. "Finally, he'll see it wasn't just my fault."

The truth was simple - he'd never loved Vivian, and yes, he'd hurt her. But she'd never loved him either. While he'd played pretend with Cassandra, Vivian had been building something real with Liam. They'd even talked about starting a family.

That mutual understanding was why their divorce had been so amicable. So why was she painting him as the villain now?

"Grandfather," Nathaniel gestured to the paused screen, "she couldn't wait to announce our divorce publicly. This was always her endgame - freedom to be with Liam. That woman is far from the innocent victim everyone believes."

Alfred finally turned from the television, bushy white eyebrows drawn together. "Is that really what you took from this? No wonder you failed every literature exam at Cambridge."

Nathaniel blinked. "Then what am I missing?"

"You absolute fool!" Alfred's cane came down hard on Nathaniel's shin. "She's clearly trying to reconcile!"

Nathaniel barely suppressed an eye roll. "With all due respect, I didn't get that impression."

"Of course you didn't," Alfred scoffed, adjusting his glasses with shaky hands. He rewound to a specific moment, jabbing a bony finger at the subtitles. "Right here - she says she's grateful for your four years together. That's code, boy!"

"Code for what exactly?"

"It means she still cares!" Alfred declared like a professor presenting irrefutable evidence. "She's leaving the door open for reconciliation!"

Nathaniel fought the urge to laugh. Even with his admittedly poor emotional intelligence, he knew basic social niceties when he heard them. This was damage control, not some secret love letter.

"I don't care what excuses you make," Alfred barked, suddenly all military general again. "That girl spelled it out plain as day. If you don't act now, you're not fit to call yourself a Blackwood!"

"Grandfather," Nathaniel sighed, "I know you mean well, but some things can't be fixed. Please stop interfering."

"Interfering? I'm saving you from your own stubbornness! You're both clearly still in love, too proud to admit it!"

Alfred knew his grandson better than anyone. Nathaniel kept his emotions locked tighter than the Blackwood family vaults. Yet mention Vivian, and suddenly the boy couldn't control his temper? That wasn't indifference.

If he waited for Nathaniel to figure this out himself, his great-grandchildren would be collecting social security by then. Time for drastic measures.

Alfred's expression shifted abruptly. "Fine. You've disobeyed me, so punishment is due. But tonight...you'll simply join me for dinner."

Just dinner? Nathaniel's instincts screamed trap. But if it kept the old man from forcing another wedding, he'd play along.

Little did he know, Alfred Blackwood had survived three wars and outmaneuvered countless business rivals. His grandson never stood a chance.