Chapter 103

"Hint?" Vivian blinked in confusion. She had gifted Alfred the black pearl purely wishing for his wellbeing. What hidden meaning could he possibly be seeing?

"The moment I saw this pearl, I immediately thought of its symbolism for fertility and childbirth—"

Alfred's expression darkened instantly. His cane struck the floor as he glared at Nathaniel kneeling before him. "You disgraceful boy. Tell me truthfully - are the rumors accurate? Did you actually impregnate another woman behind Vivian's back?"

Seeing no point in denial, Nathaniel straightened his spine despite his kneeling position. His voice came out icy and resolute. "Since you've already guessed, I won't lie. That child carries Blackwood blood. It deserves legitimacy and a father's name."

"You—!" Alfred clutched his chest, struggling to breathe. His cane came down hard on Nathaniel's back. "Foolish boy!"

"That child needs status and respect? What about Vivian? Have you considered her feelings even once? She's your wife! For years, hasn't she devoted herself completely to this family - to you and me?"

"You're supposed to be closest to her, yet you neither cherish nor love her. Fine. But how dare you betray her like this!"

Alfred's rage escalated with each word. With finality, he commanded, "I don't care what it takes. Get that woman to a hospital immediately and terminate that illegitimate child!"

"I will only recognize children born between you and Vivian. No others shall carry the Blackwood name!"

Nathaniel kept his head lowered but refused firmly. "I apologize, Grandfather. That I cannot do."

This final defiance shattered Alfred's composure. "So this is your decision? Defying me for some woman? Very well - you leave me no choice but to administer the family discipline!"

Alfred moved to the bookshelf, retrieving a long-unused leather whip. Without hesitation, he brought it down across Nathaniel's back.

"It's been years since this whip tasted blood. Today, I'll either beat sense into you or answer to Arthur in the afterlife!"

The former soldier wielded the whip with brutal precision. Each lash bit deep, the pain radiating to Nathaniel's bones.

Yet Nathaniel remained silent. Though his back split open under the assault, not a single groan escaped his clenched teeth. If this punishment could appease his grandfather's fury, he would endure it willingly.

Vivian made no move to interfere. At nearly 190cm tall, Nathaniel could surely withstand some lashes. It wouldn't kill him.

But she hadn't anticipated Alfred's severity.

After several strikes, Nathaniel's shirt hung in tatters, revealing bleeding wounds. Still, he begged no mercy, determined to protect Cassandra and their unborn child at all costs.

Watching her ex-husband's devotion to another woman only emphasized Vivian's own pathetic irrelevance.

Outside the study, Winston the butler fretted anxiously. Gathering courage, he called out, "Sir, please stop! Any more and you'll kill him!"

"With Master Sebastian already gone, if anything happens to young master, the Blackwood line ends with you!"

Alfred showed no mercy, striking harder. "Then let it end! Better than allowing such heartless blood to continue!"

After several more lashes, Alfred demanded again, "Will you repent? Will you make that woman abort your bastard child?"

Nathaniel answered with stony silence, his face pale with pain, forehead glistening with sweat.

Seeing Alfred raise the whip once more, Vivian rushed forward. "Grandfather, stop! This isn't his fault! I don't blame him!"

"Vivian, move aside!"

Alfred tried to pull back but the whip still grazed Vivian's arm, leaving an angry red welt.

Nathaniel immediately pulled her close, examining the injury with a frown. "Stay out of my affairs," he hissed coldly.

Just as Alfred began appreciating this shred of concern, a small red booklet tumbled from Vivian's pocket—