Chapter 122

The dining table was lavishly set with an extravagant spread of gourmet dishes. Roasted duck, lobster thermidor, and truffle-infused delicacies filled the polished mahogany surface.

Nathaniel Blackwood's brows furrowed as he took his seat. His grandfather Alfred usually preferred simple meals. This elaborate feast screamed ulterior motives.

His instincts were right. This wasn't just dinner. The old fox was plotting something.

Without a word, Nathaniel reached for his silverware.

Alfred cleared his throat from the head of the table. "Patience, boy. We're expecting company."

Just as Nathaniel suspected. His fingers stilled on the fork. Vivian must be the surprise guest. Another transparent matchmaking attempt.

His voice turned glacial. "Grandfather, your meddling is unnecessary. Vivian and I are finished. Stop this charade."

Alfred chuckled, stroking his beard. "Don't flatter yourself. I'd never subject Vivian to your miserable company again."

Nathaniel's jaw tightened. Since when had his grandfather switched allegiances?

A maid announced cheerfully, "Mr. Blackwood, Mrs. Lockhart has arrived!"

Vivian strode in confidently, then froze when she spotted Nathaniel. Her discomfort was palpable.

Nathaniel straightened imperceptibly, feigning indifference. Then his stomach lurched.

Theodore Osborne's son Dominic entered behind Vivian. Just the sight of that man made Nathaniel's blood boil.

His glare could have melted steel. "Explain this," he demanded through clenched teeth.

Alfred ignored him, beaming at their guests. "Come in, my dears! I've saved the best seats for you."

Vivian looked ready to bolt. Clearly she'd been ambushed too. Dominic, however, seemed thrilled.

With theatrical flair, he clasped Vivian's hand. "General Blackwood! It's an honor. Your strategy at the Battle of Northridge is still studied at military academies."

Alfred's eyes lit up. "You know of Northridge?"

"Know it? Sir, your encirclement maneuver was pure genius! Turning their numerical advantage against them..."

The two men launched into animated military discussion, leaving Nathaniel and Vivian in strained silence.

After thirty minutes of war stories, Alfred was roaring with laughter. "I see why rumors linked you two! Theodore raised a fine son."

Dominic grinned, lifting Vivian's hand. "No rumors necessary, sir. We're officially together now."

The temperature in the room plummeted. Alfred's smile vanished. "Is this true, Vivian?"

She hesitated, caught between honesty and sparing Alfred's feelings. The truth would hurt him, but denying it might revive old hopes.

Nathaniel's cold voice cut through the tension. "If it's true, say so. We're divorced - no need for pretense."