Chapter 193

Reginald Blackwood lay on the hospital bed with his eyes closed, listening intently to the heated exchange between his daughter-in-law and grandson.

Within thirty seconds, Beatrice Lockwood had skillfully shifted all blame onto Margaret Lockwood.

"You've never trusted me, have you?" Beatrice's voice trembled with manufactured hurt. She dabbed at dry eyes with a tissue. "I would have told you everything if you'd just asked! But you never did!"

Her performance continued as she pretended to recall painful memories. "When I was forced to leave A City after separating from your father, what choice did I have? A young mother with an infant - I had to hide in remote villages. Margaret Lockwood hunted me like an animal! Her people found me no matter where I went!"

Beatrice's voice dropped to a dramatic whisper. "Back then, Margaret was barren. You know how crucial heirs are in wealthy families, Father Blackwood. And I'd given birth to a son! I had to leave Dominic at the orphanage for his own protection. At least there he'd be safe and cared for..."

Reginald Blackwood's frown deepened at Beatrice's calculated words.

The old patriarch considered his two daughters-in-law - Margaret Lockwood from an equally prestigious family, and Beatrice with her common origins.

Margaret's aristocratic upbringing had been both her strength and downfall. She could never compete with Beatrice's flirtatious charms. When her marriage collapsed, Margaret's sanity had crumbled along with it.

Reginald knew exactly which woman had a poisonous heart beneath her refined exterior, and which one had genuine kindness behind her rough edges. He didn't believe Beatrice's fabricated tale of maternal sacrifice for a second.

Opening his eyes, Reginald focused on his grandson standing near the door. "Dominic, come here."

Beatrice's fake sobs paused abruptly. She watched eagerly, hoping to manipulate the situation in her favor.

Though worried about Evelyn, Dominic approached his grandfather's bedside.

"If you tarnish our family name, I'll never rest peacefully," Reginald warned.

Dominic adjusted the blanket with steady hands. "It's not that serious, Grandfather. You should focus on recovering."

Reginald had always trusted his eldest grandson's judgment. When Dominic gave his word, matters were handled impeccably.

"I've always accepted Evelyn as family," Reginald continued. "Why else would I have intervened when the Lockwoods tried marrying her to Maxwell?"

Dominic nodded. That incident had proven his grandfather's approval of Evelyn beyond doubt.

"But remember," Reginald cautioned, "Evelyn is legally married to that Lockwood boy. Their union is protected by law. I say this because I fear you might act rashly."

"I understand completely," Dominic assured, his impeccable business suit radiating calm authority.

Seeing the conversation slipping from her control, Beatrice interjected sharply. "Do you really believe him, Father? This morning I found Dominic in Evelyn's bed! He was sleeping with another man's wife!"

Dominic shot his mother a warning glare she pointedly ignored.

"If you condone this," Beatrice pressed, "how is he any better than what Zachary and I did? At least we've admitted our mistakes! All I want is for Zachary's soul to rest peacefully..."

Reginald closed his eyes with a weary sigh. "Listen to me, Dominic. As long as Evelyn remains married, you must maintain boundaries. We cannot become society's laughingstock."

"You can't possibly approve of this affair!" Beatrice protested, glaring at the stubborn old man.

Meanwhile, on the high-speed train to the countryside...

Traveling during off-peak hours meant few fellow passengers. Evelyn stared at the half-finished design on her laptop screen.

Her team had driven ahead separately. They hadn't invited her - probably knowing the boss would accompany her. But when Dominic didn't appear at the scheduled time, she'd departed alone.

As the train approached her hometown, Evelyn looked up from her work, studying the familiar landscape.

By 1 PM, she arrived at the small station, wheeling a compact silver suitcase behind her.

"Evelyn! Over here!" An HR colleague waved urgently. "I've been trying to call you!"

Evelyn checked her phone. "How strange - it shut down by itself."

The colleague led her to a two-story building and handed her a key. "This is the best accommodation the company could arrange. Keep this safe. I need to return to headquarters now, but call me immediately if you need anything."