Chapter 469

Gwendolyn Sinclair's blood boiled at Beatrice Lockwood's words.

How dare this woman insult her revered father and beloved niece?

She sprang to her feet instantly. "What exactly do you mean by that, Mrs. Lockwood? Even if you refuse to forgive Evelyn, there's no need for such vile language! How could you speak this way to your elders when our families aren't even officially connected yet? I respected you as Dominic's mother, but clearly that respect was misplaced."

Her eyes flashed with contempt. "You look down on our modest means? Tell me, Mrs. Lockwood - or should I say mistress Lockwood? The true Mrs. Blackwood is Margaret Lockwood, the woman legally married to Dominic's father. You're nothing but a kept woman living off your son's generosity. Does that make you feel superior?"

Gwendolyn had been a formidable businesswoman in her prime, running major corporations alongside her ex-husband. She'd dealt with countless socialites - handling Beatrice was child's play. She knew exactly where to strike.

Meanwhile, Margaret Lockwood watched the unfolding drama with amusement.

A satisfied smile curved her lips as Gwendolyn's verbal daggers found their mark.

It was refreshing to have someone else put Beatrice in her place.

In the corner of the couch, Alexander and Isabella huddled together, still dressed in their ring bearer and flower girl outfits.

The adults' shouting made their ears ring.

They hated this toxic atmosphere but didn't know where their parents had disappeared to.

Had Mommy and Daddy abandoned them?

Tears pricked their eyes as they remembered the disastrous engagement ceremony.

Beatrice's chest heaved with rage at Gwendolyn's words. Her precarious position in the Blackwood family was her most sensitive wound.

No one was allowed to mention it, even if it was the undeniable truth.

Blind with fury, Beatrice raised her hand to strike Gwendolyn, forgetting the children were watching.

But Gwendolyn caught her wrist mid-swing and shoved her back forcefully.

Beatrice staggered backward, barely catching herself on the coffee table.

She stared at the slender woman in shock. How could someone so delicate be so strong?

Reginald Sinclair's face darkened when Beatrice not only insulted his family but attempted to physically assault his daughter.

Leaning heavily on the couch, he struggled to his feet, trembling with outrage. "Gwendolyn, if the Blackwoods don't want us, we'll leave! My granddaughter can find a worthy husband anywhere. Dominic is a good man, but we won't grovel at the feet of the elite! Come to Great-Grandpa, Alexander, Isabella. You won't learn proper manners here. Let's go home to your mother."

He extended his arms lovingly to the twins.

The children glanced uncertainly between Reginald Blackwood and Beatrice. Should they leave Blackwood Manor with their great-grandfather?

Beatrice grabbed their wrists painfully. "Alexander and Isabella belong to the Blackwoods! What right do you outsiders have to take them?"

She didn't realize her grip was hurting them.

Reginald Sinclair's heart clenched when he saw the twins' tear-filled eyes and quivering lips.

Shaking with anger, he pulled Gwendolyn toward the door. "Let's go! Who needs the Blackwoods? I'll never set foot in this house again!"

Gwendolyn shot Beatrice one last scathing look before helping her father leave.

"Wait, Reginald! Let's discuss this..." Reginald Blackwood called out anxiously, motioning for Julian to help him up.

Despite his anger over Evelyn humiliating the family at the engagement, she carried Dominic's child.

If Reginald Sinclair truly intended to marry Evelyn off to someone else, what would happen to the baby?

Beatrice, still smarting from her humiliation, stopped her father-in-law. "Father, that poor family isn't worthy of us. Let that Evelyn woman marry whoever she wants. We'll just take the child after she gives birth. Dominic deserves better."

Reginald Blackwood glared at her, barely restraining himself from hitting her with his cane. "Disgraceful!"

Pushing her aside, he and Julian hurried after the departing Sinclairs.

Julian threw Beatrice a disapproving glance over his shoulder.

"Great-Grandpa..."

The twins tried to follow their beloved great-grandfather and aunt.

But Beatrice held them back.

With Reginald Sinclair gone, she didn't hesitate to smack each child's bottom several times. "Ungrateful brats! After everything I've done for you, you'd abandon me for those outsiders?"

"Great-Grandpa Sinclair isn't an outsider! He loves us!" Alexander declared defiantly, though tears streamed down his face.

"Bad Grandma! You made them leave! I hate you!" Isabella suddenly wrenched free and ran after the Sinclairs.

"Wait for me!" Alexander followed.

Beatrice ground her teeth as she watched her precious grandchildren flee.

"You'll never be part of this family, Evelyn Sinclair!" she hissed.

Meanwhile, at the mansion...

Evelyn remained blissfully unaware of the explosive confrontation between the families.

Dominic had turned off his phone and spent the night with her.

She'd fallen asleep curled against his chest.

Waking alone the next morning, she found a note on his pillow:

"Business to attend to, Evie. Back in two hours. This is our new home - peaceful surroundings, fresh air, perfect for our baby. Our family of five will live here undisturbed from now on. I love you."