Chapter 120

Ethan Blackwood let out a weary sigh as he turned the car toward the Blackwood estate. He'd known Grandfather would disapprove of his partnership with Ashford Holdings, but the old man's spies worked faster than anticipated. The impending punishment weighed heavily on his mind.

Perhaps this confrontation would finally reveal what the Ashfords had done to deserve such hatred.

Before Ethan could reach the front door, Alfred Blackwood's booming voice echoed through the marble halls.

"That boy has lost his damned mind! Selling his soul for profit! I'll whip some sense into him today—don't you dare interfere!"

The scars on Ethan's back still throbbed from last time. He squared his shoulders and stepped forward. Military discipline ran deep in the Blackwood bloodline—every child raised under that iron fist grew up rigidly principled. Even Ethan rarely defied his grandfather.

Except when it came to Vivian Lockhart.

"Grandfather." Ethan entered the parlor with perfect posture.

Winston nearly wept with relief. "Master Alfred, please compose yourself! Young Master Blackwood has arrived!"

The patriarch's furious gaze locked onto Ethan before hurling a porcelain teacup. "You disgrace! How dare you show your face here?"

Ethan barely flinched. "You summoned me."

"So now you've grown a tongue to sass me?" Alfred's face purpled with rage. "I should've disowned you years ago!"

Ethan stood motionless, absorbing the tirade. This ritual was older than his childhood—Grandfather's temper tantrums where logic held no sway. Not even Ethan's father had ever stood against them.

"I made it clear—no dealings with Ashford Holdings! No contact with Richard Ashford!"

"Yes, sir."

"Then explain this betrayal!" Alfred brandished his cane. "You need proper discipline!"

"By all means." Ethan's lips twisted bitterly. "The scars from last time haven't even faded. Though I must commend your consistency, Grandfather—that stone heart of yours never falters."

"You—!" Alfred sputtered, cane trembling. For all his bluster, he'd never actually break his only heir.

Winston intervened hastily. "Sir, consider the business merits! Ashford Holdings dominates the electronics sector. This alliance benefits both parties."

Alfred's shoulders slumped. "I'm thinking of Vivian. How would she feel knowing her husband partnered with her father's greatest enemy?"

Ethan's laugh held no warmth. "Why would she care? The divorce papers are signed. I mean nothing to her now."

"How can you say that?" Alfred raised his cane again.

Winston blocked the strike. "Master Alfred, please! The young master speaks truth. If Miss Lockhart cared, she wouldn't have scheduled that press conference."

"Press conference?" Alfred's eyes sharpened. "Show me!"

Winston paled. "Forgive me, I spoke out of turn—"

The old man still clung to hopes of reconciliation, which was why no one had told him about Vivian's global announcement. Once broadcast, the world would know their marriage had ended—along with any future alliances.

Ethan's expression hardened. "Stop coddling him. Show Grandfather the truth—let him see what Vivian really is."