Chapter 101

Alfred Blackwood set down the fountain pen and reached into his desk drawer as he spoke to Vivian.

With great ceremony, he withdrew an ornate rosewood box and presented it to her.

"Isabella, open it."

Vivian accepted the box with trembling fingers. Inside lay a gleaming medal embossed with both a peace dove and crossed swords. She turned questioning eyes to the elder Blackwood. "Grandfather, what is this?"

"Your grandfather Arthur entrusted this to me before his passing. It represented his life's work and ideals. Now, it belongs to you."

Alfred sighed, remembering his dear friend's extraordinary legacy. "Arthur worried endlessly about you in his final days. He made me promise to give you this medal after four years of marriage to Nathaniel."

"This marks your fourth anniversary. Consider it his blessing for your union. May it bring you both lasting happiness."

Tears blurred Vivian's vision as she traced the engraved surface. For a fleeting moment, she could almost feel Arthur's calloused yet tender hand guiding hers.

"Grandfather always protected me. Even now, his spirit watches over me. I've been such a disappointment—always causing him grief..."

Memories flooded back—Arthur's final plea for her to abandon dangerous ambitions, to live simply as Mrs. Blackwood rather than reclaim the Lockhart dynasty. His dying wish had been for her to find contentment in domestic life.

'And yet here I am...' Vivian bit her lip. She'd failed even this basic request.

Some battles could be won through sheer will. But love? That remained beyond her control. She'd fought valiantly, but facing Nathaniel's indifference, retreat became her only option.

"Nonsense, child!" Alfred chided gently. "To us, you're extraordinary. Why, taming my stubborn grandson proves you possess qualities no other woman could match."

Vivian coughed awkwardly, avoiding his gaze. If Alfred discovered their divorce papers, his heart might not withstand the shock.

"Actually, Grandfather, Nathaniel and I brought gifts from our trip." She quickly changed subjects.

"How thoughtful! Show me at once."

Vivian produced carefully selected souvenirs. "Santorini's finest coffee beans, herbal teas, and this—" She revealed a velvet case containing a luminous black pearl. "Harvested from Bali's deepest waters. Centuries in the making, they say it carries healing energies for its keeper."

The pearl had cost a small fortune—her final tribute to the man who'd shown her more kindness than his grandson ever had.

"Magnificent!" Alfred beamed, admiring the iridescent sphere. His granddaughter-in-law's exquisite taste never failed to impress.

"Grandfather."

Nathaniel's baritone voice cut through the moment. Vivian turned slowly, meeting her ex-husband's icy gaze across the threshold.