Chapter 868

Nathan's gaze flickered toward Harrison, his expression unreadable.

"Grandfather Reginald hasn't signed the papers yet, but he's given his verbal agreement."

The news settled heavily between them.

For Nathan, this wasn't a victory.

He could finally secure absolute control over Blackwood Industries—no more boardroom coups, no more threats to his authority.

Yet, in doing so, he had severed the last fragile thread tying him to the Blackwood name.

Reginald Blackwood had once loved him.

Now, the old man refused to even acknowledge him as kin.

Betrayal always stung worse when it came from those you trusted most.

Especially from the man whose empire Nathan had spent years protecting.

Harrison knew Nathan better than most. Outwardly, Nathan and Reginald were always at odds, their clashes legendary.

But deep down, Nathan had never truly wanted to destroy his grandfather.

All he'd ever wanted was to stop Reginald from targeting Evelyn.

The shares, the power, the legacy—none of it mattered to Nathan.

Yet Reginald would rather sell Blackwood Industries to a stranger than let Nathan inherit what was rightfully his.

The sheer pettiness of it was almost laughable.

Nathan was the heir Reginald had raised, molded, and now feared too much to challenge directly.

"Sir..."

Harrison hesitated.

Nathan's icy stare cut through him. "Speak."

"Maybe... consider stepping back?"

The air thickened instantly.

Harrison pressed on before he lost his nerve.

"Sir, at the end of the day, Reginald Blackwood is still family. He cares—he's just too proud to admit it. If this feud escalates, the rest of the Blackwoods might not say it to your face, but they'll judge you behind closed doors."

How could Nathan turn his back on the man who raised him?

What would that make him in their eyes?

If Nathan ever stumbled, they'd be the first to twist the knife.

Nathan's ruthlessness had always been his strength.

But using it against his own blood? That was a line even his allies might not forgive.

Harrison had weighed every word before daring to voice them.

A long silence stretched between them.

Finally, Nathan's voice came low and final. "This isn't your concern."

He wasn't here to play the devoted grandson.

If they stayed out of his way, he'd leave them in peace.

If they didn't? He wouldn't hold back.

Sentiment had no place in this game.

Harrison exhaled. He should've known better.

"Wesley Thornton is already moving on behalf of Pacific Crest International. The contract signing is scheduled for tomorrow morning. Reginald will make his move by afternoon."

This was the tipping point.

Once the deal was done, there'd be no going back.

Nathan's expression darkened, his eyes unreadable.

"Give Thornton whatever he needs."

"Understood."

Harrison straightened. Time to ensure this played out flawlessly.

Officially, he answered to Blackwood Industries.

In reality, his loyalty belonged solely to Nathan.

The moment he stepped out, his phone buzzed.

"Reginald Blackwood," he muttered, answering. "Sir... Nathan's made his decision."