Chapter 787

Sophia Blackwood was desperately trying to prove her innocence, but Nathan Blackwood refused to believe a single word. He couldn't comprehend how his own sister had turned into such a deceitful person.

Reginald Blackwood, the family patriarch, finally spoke up with icy disapproval. "What exactly are you trying to achieve? She's your flesh and blood! Her intentions were good. The public backlash was just unfortunate timing."

His voice grew sharper. "Are you really willing to destroy our entire family over that woman?"

The tension in the study became palpable.

The old man's cane struck the floor with a sharp crack. "Why don't you just legally change your surname to Sterling? Let's see if they'll even acknowledge you after you abandon the Blackwood name!" Having reached his limit, Reginald saw no reason to keep protecting the grandson he'd personally groomed for leadership.

Nathan's dark, shadowed eyes locked onto his grandfather. His voice came out low and measured. "Actually, grandfather, if you wouldn't object to changing the Blackwood name to Sterling, I'd have no objections either."

Reginald's face twisted in fury. "You'd truly hand our family legacy to outsiders? I must have been blind to ever name you as my successor!" The elderly man rose unsteadily, grabbing his cane and swinging it at Nathan with all his strength.

Nathan didn't flinch. His expression remained blank as the cane connected with his forehead before clattering to the floor. Blood immediately began trickling down his face in a crimson trail.

Sophia gasped, frozen in terror. Nathan stood enveloped in a dangerous aura so intense it silenced the room. Even breathing seemed to stop.

Reginald's posture stiffened. His aged eyes narrowed as his face contorted with displeasure. For the first time, he truly understood - Nathan was beyond his control. The boy had always been obsessive about what he couldn't have.

Nathan's lips twisted into a cruel smile. "Feel better now that you've hit me, grandfather?"

Before Reginald could respond, Nathan continued coldly, "If you've vented sufficiently, perhaps you'll finally sign the documents. No point wasting everyone's time." The papers would strip Reginald of his executive powers while maintaining his honorary status and wealth.

This only fueled Reginald's rage further. He wanted nothing more than to beat some sense into his ungrateful grandson.

Nathan ignored him, turning his attention to the trembling Sophia. His voice turned glacial. "You couldn't stay out of trouble even after returning. Clearly a few months away didn't teach you any lessons. After causing billions in losses and sending our stock prices plummeting, you still dare make excuses?"

Sophia's lips quivered as tears streamed down her face. "I've learned my lesson! Please, brother, forgive me this once. I don't want to be disowned! I'll apologize to Evelyn - I swear I'll never cross her again!"

Nathan's laugh held no warmth. "An apology? You think this is just about Evelyn? In thirty minutes, Blackwood Industries lost tens of billions in market value. Our shares are hitting record lows. Do you honestly believe an apology fixes that?"