Chapter 788

Nathan Blackwood's words sent shockwaves through Reginald Blackwood. Age had dulled the old man's senses - his hearing wasn't what it used to be, his vision blurred. He'd assumed this scandal would merely tarnish Blackwood Industries' reputation at worst. A few days of reprimands for Sophia, then business as usual. Never had he imagined billions would vanish from their market value overnight.

For a brief moment, Reginald considered pleading for his granddaughter. The words died in his throat. During his tenure, Blackwood Industries had been a strong competitor, but nothing like the empire Nathan had built. The man was a business prodigy, consolidating power and elevating their standing to legendary status in mere years. These losses weren't just stock fluctuations - they threatened the entire corporation.

Sophia's face drained of color. This wasn't just trouble - it was catastrophe.

Would she really be cast out again so soon after returning?

Nathan's expression turned glacial as he summoned security. No one entered the Blackwood estate's second floor without permission. "Sophia Blackwood," his voice cut like ice, "You're hereby banished from this family. Don't ever return. You'll receive enough to survive one month outside Montecito - after that, you're on your own."

His cold gaze swept over her indifferently before he turned on his heel. That pittance wouldn't last long. Initially, Nathan had intended for Sophia to learn humility through entry-level work - proper training for future leadership.

As a Blackwood heiress, she was meant to join corporate leadership. Instead, she'd mastered deception. Nathan decided Blackwood Industries had no place for spoiled socialites. Nobody dared challenge his decree.

Security dragged the sobbing Sophia away.

"Brother! I've learned my lesson! Please—" Her pleas fell on deaf ears. Reginald wouldn't oppose Nathan now.

Power had shifted completely in recent years. The old patriarch was but a figurehead, stripped of real authority. He seethed silently: 'Since when does Nathan alone decide who stays in this family? Am I not still the head?'

This couldn't continue. Sophia's wails grew so pitiful even the butler shuddered. Within hours, she was bundled into a car and shipped to the airport. Sophia knew it was over - Nathan had abandoned her. Without the Blackwood name, what was she?

Overnight, the infamous socialite became a pariah - ridiculed online, disowned by her family. A stray dog with no shelter. Nathan stood in the shadows of Aspen Lodge's entrance, features unreadable.

The butler trembled nearby. Nathan's reputation for ruthless efficiency preceded him - rules were absolute. "Sir...should we inform the rest of the family about Ms. Blackwood?"

Objections would surely follow. Under Reginald's influence, resistance would grow. Nathan's sidelong glance answered the question before words could. He turned away silently.

That single look froze the butler's blood.

His probing had been transparent - and Nathan saw right through him.