Chapter 878

Reginald Blackwood's hand trembled with rage as he pointed at Harrison standing beside Nathan.

"You brought Julian Whitmore from Pacific Crest International to me just so I could sell my shares and retaliate against you!" His voice cracked with fury. "Since you control everything in Montecito, of course I'd choose a foreign company over a domestic one—You—You planned all of this!"

Harrison remained composed at Nathan's side, his tone measured.

"Reginald, no one forced you to sell. Had you kept your shares, you'd still hold a stake in Blackwood Industries. President Blackwood never cared about the scattered shares."

He paused, his gaze steady.

"Everyone could have had their piece. But you allied with Blackwood’s branch executives to undermine the president. Did you ever consider what would happen to the company if it fell into the wrong hands?"

"Silence! You have no right to speak here!"

Reginald lashed out at Harrison, his anger misplaced.

This man, who had seemingly betrayed Nathan, was in fact more loyal than anyone.

Harrison pressed his lips together, expressionless, and said no more.

Nathan’s face betrayed no arrogance, but his eyes gleamed with icy resolve.

"Reginald, you put me in this position. Did you ever stop to think about the mess you left behind when you retired?"

His voice was devoid of warmth.

"Your old friends drained the company dry, leaving it drowning in debt. Did you really believe I climbed to where I am by standing on your shoulders?"

Reginald’s gaze flickered, his narrowed eyes locked onto Nathan.

"Are you biting the hand that fed you?"

Nathan’s expression darkened.

"I cleaned up your mess. I never exposed your failures—out of respect. But did you really think you could hold an empty shell of Blackwood Industries over my head for life?"

A cold smile touched his lips.

"If that’s the case, I have no problem unearthing the evidence from the beginning. Let the world see just how pathetic this company was when I took over."

Outsiders saw only the polished exterior. But when Nathan stepped in, the foundation was crumbling.

He could have walked away.

But Reginald’s expectations weighed on him.

So he rebuilt it—piece by piece—until Blackwood Industries stood unshakable at the top.

He had been more than generous.

This empire was his creation now. Not the hollow ruin Reginald had left behind.

Reginald’s body shook violently. His gaze darkened as he faced this ruthless man.

He had lost control.

From this moment on, he had nothing left to threaten Nathan with.

Nathan was untouchable.

A slow, defeated exhale escaped him.

"Nathan Blackwood… I underestimated you. You’d turn the entire Blackwood family into your enemy—for a woman?"

His aged eyes flicked toward Evelyn Sinclair, a mocking smile twisting his lips.

"But does she even care? She doesn’t look at you the way you want. Nathan… you’re just as pitiful as the rest of us."

Nathan’s expression tightened imperceptibly.

"The assets under your name are enough to last your lifetime. If we can’t coexist peacefully, then we’ll sever ties completely."

With that, he turned and walked away.

Every step of this charade had been a test—one last chance for Reginald to step back.

The foolish sentiment he once held for the Blackwood name was gone now.

When they sent him away for training, there had been no affection.

When Reginald took him in, he no longer needed it.

Nathan had always been alone.

Few noticed when he left the party.

But Evelyn did.