Chapter 174

The moment Vivian Lockhart saw that cold, ruthless demeanor, she knew exactly who stood before her—Nathaniel Blackwood, the most feared man in Newport City.

But why would this aristocrat show up at her crumbling ancestral home?

Vincent Holloway had just been thrown to the ground by Vivian, and now someone else had kicked him hard enough to rattle his bones. He barely suppressed his fury, ready to unleash a string of curses—until he turned and met Nathaniel’s burning gaze. His face drained of color, and for the second time that day, he nearly pissed himself.

"Mr. Blackwood! W-what are you doing here?"

Nathaniel stared down at Vincent, sprawled on the floor like a worm. His brows furrowed, voice sharp with irritation. "You work for Richard Ashford?"

He vaguely recognized the man from a business deal—one of Richard’s top enforcers. The kind Richard kept close.

"Yes, sir! My name is Vincent Holloway. I’ve served Mr. Ashford for years. Meeting you during the Blackwood Group’s partnership with Kingsley Holdings was an honor. I’ve always admired you, and seeing you again is a privilege!"

Vincent was practically groveling, ready to kiss Nathaniel’s shoes if allowed. He knew Nathaniel’s status far surpassed Richard’s. Offending him wasn’t an option.

Nathaniel barely spared him a glance, his sharp eyes scanning the wreckage of Lockhart Manor—shattered furniture, overturned decor, chaos everywhere. His frown deepened.

"Explain this."

Vincent swallowed hard. "W-well… Mr. Ashford heard rumors that Lockhart Manor was haunted. The neighbors, even his friends, were terrified. He’s a righteous man—he ordered us to cleanse this place for everyone’s safety!"

"Bullshit."

Vivian felt her brain cells dying from the sheer audacity of his lies. Did he think they were idiots?

Clutching her aching abdomen, she scoffed. "Do you take me for a fool? Or are you implying Mr. Ashford is one? Using his name to justify this nonsense—you must have a death wish."

"Miss Lockhart, please understand. Mr. Ashford truly—"

Vincent didn’t believe his own words either, but what choice did he have?

Admit that Richard knew Vivian had returned to Lockhart Manor and sent him to eliminate her?

Even if they were divorced, Nathaniel wouldn’t stand by while his ex-wife was brutalized.

Nathaniel’s voice was ice. "So Richard sent you to clean up this 'dirty' place?"

Vincent paled. "N-no! That’s not what I meant!"

He was digging his own grave deeper with every word.

"You misunderstand, Mr. Blackwood! I only—I just—!"

Vincent studied Nathaniel’s expression, panic rising. No matter how he answered, it was wrong.

Vivian listened, irritation simmering. Somehow, Nathaniel’s words felt like an indirect insult.

Nathaniel’s foot slammed onto Vincent’s head. "Tell Richard I despise bullies. The deal between Blackwood Group and Kingsley Holdings is terminated."

"Y-yes, sir!"

Vincent didn’t dare argue. Signaling his men, they scrambled out like rats.

What a disaster. He hadn’t expected Nathaniel to swoop in like some white knight.

Weren’t exes supposed to hate each other? Why did these two keep crossing paths?

Nathaniel shoved his hands into his pockets, his expression unreadable as he studied Vivian. "You alright?"

Vivian wasn’t fooled. Even if her ex-husband had just played the hero, she wasn’t about to swoon.

She smirked. "No one visits without a reason, Mr. Blackwood. You stormed into my home with that arrogant attitude—did you expect a warm welcome? Get to the point."