Chapter 118

Nathaniel's eyes narrowed slightly at Richard's words before curving into a practiced smile. "Mr. Ashford, there must be some misunderstanding. Your father was a decorated war hero - I've always respected him. What possible conflict could exist between our families?"

"Is that so?" Ethan's response was measured. He sipped his tea, studying Richard's face for tells. Truthfully, he'd conducted extensive due diligence on Ashford Enterprises before considering this partnership. Nothing in his investigations had suggested any animosity between the Ashfords and Blackwoods.

Yet Ethan couldn't ignore the nagging doubt. His relationship with Alfred Blackwood had been strained for years - the old man had refused to see him since the funeral. Direct confirmation was impossible.

"Absolutely true," Richard asserted, though his fingers twitched against the teacup. After a beat, he exhaled sharply. "I'll be frank - in my youth, I may have had... disagreements with your late father."

"With Vincent?" Ice crept into Ethan's tone. "Explain."

Richard barked a humorless laugh. "What causes friction between men? Business... or women." His expression darkened with old bitterness. "This was before your father married Eleanor. We were rivals in both boardrooms and bedrooms. There was... a woman. Played us both for fools before vanishing."

The memory clearly still rankled. Richard's knuckles whitened around his cup.

"Let this be a lesson, Nathaniel. Women excel at feigning vulnerability while scheming behind pretty smiles. Give them an inch, they'll take everything."

The words conjured an unwelcome image of Isabella. The transformation from docile wife to cunning businesswoman still unsettled him. Perhaps Richard wasn't entirely wrong.

"Regardless," Richard continued, "any feud died with Vincent. Four years is long enough to bury hatchets. And frankly..." His lips twisted. "Your wife seems far more invested in Kingsley Holdings' alliance with the Osbornes than your interests. Why protect a traitor?"

The temperature in the room plummeted.

Richard raised placating hands. "I'm not sowing discord for the contract. But a man who lets his woman undermine him..." He stood, gathering his briefcase. "Think on it."

Ethan remained silent. Richard's account felt incomplete - there were missing pieces to this history. The partnership would wait until he uncovered them.

His phone vibrated. Ethan Young's name flashed onscreen.

"Mr. Blackwood! Turn on the news immediately - it's Mrs. Blackwood! She's gone completely mad!"