Chapter 295

Nathaniel Blackwood's expression darkened. "Weren't you the one who said a thoroughbred never looks back at eaten grass? What's with this sudden change of heart? Where's your pride?"

Eleanor Whitmore lifted her chin defiantly. "Pride be damned. I won't let a perfect match slip away."

She crossed her arms. "My objection before was because you didn't love her. I refused to watch my son suffer in a loveless marriage. But now..."

"How so?"

"Because you're finally showing interest!"

Eleanor's eyes sparkled with conviction. "In all these years, how many women have truly caught your attention? Now that you've found one, you'd be a fool to let her go."

"I'm not interested."

Nathaniel's denial came sharp and cold.

"Don't lie to me when you can't even lie to yourself."

Eleanor sighed dramatically. "I still don't particularly like her, but if she's your choice, I'll tolerate her. No more calling her bad luck. If necessary, I'll even play nice. I-"

"Stop."

Nathaniel cut her off bluntly. "It's over between us. End of discussion."

At Newport General Hospital.

Oliver Prescott's fractured leg had been set in a cast, requiring two weeks of bed rest.

When Isabella Lockhart arrived at his private room, she found Dominic Harrington already there.

"Mr. Harrington."

She acknowledged him with a polite nod.

Dominic's eyes widened in surprise. "Miss Lockhart! I was just thinking about apologizing to you."

"Apologize?"

Isabella tilted her head in confusion.

"Victoria's recovered now. As her former fiancé, I owe you an apology." Dominic spoke earnestly. "She wasn't in her right mind that day, using you like that. Please forgive her."

He bowed deeply.

His sincerity made Isabella uncomfortable. She quickly pulled him upright. "There's no need for that."

"Please don't hold it against Victoria. She's normally rational. Something must have triggered her."

"I'm not angry." Isabella's voice turned serious. "What I can't understand is why she'd frame me for attempted murder. That's not just irrational - it's malicious."

"I don't know why either..."

Dominic rubbed his neck awkwardly.

"You don't know?" Isabella's curiosity piqued. "Then how can you be sure her accusation is false? Did she confess to you?"