Chapter 302

Vivian Lockhart watched as Margaret Whitmore lowered herself to make such a ridiculous proposal. The woman actually expected gratitude.

As if.

Not long ago, Vivian would have done anything to stay in the Blackwood family. Now? She couldn't stop laughing.

Tears streamed down her face. Who knew the proud Eleanor Whitmore had such comedic talent?

Eleanor's patience snapped. "What's so funny? Give me an answer! This is a one-time offer. Don't be ungrateful!"

Vivian wiped her eyes, her amusement fading into icy disdain. "Mrs. Whitmore, let me be clear. I have zero interest in returning to your son. Even if Nathaniel Blackwood begs on his knees, the answer remains no. And I sure as hell won't play stepmother to his mistress's child."

"You... you can't mean that."

Eleanor hadn't anticipated refusal.

Nathaniel had been right. Vivian had moved on. No lingering feelings meant no reconciliation.

Her least favorite daughter-in-law was slipping away. What would become of her son then?

Panic set in. Eleanor wished she could chain Vivian to the Blackwood estate.

"Don't be hasty. Sleep on it. You loved Nathaniel deeply—that doesn't vanish overnight. You're just angry, aren't you?"

Eleanor forced calm. "Let's talk woman to woman. Has your type changed? No longer into the cold, brooding CEO?"

"Perhaps you prefer warmth? Creativity? A wild streak? Nathaniel can adapt. I'll make him change!"

Vivian's voice turned arctic. "Save your breath. When I loved him, I loved him despite his flaws. Now? Not even his death would rekindle my heart."

"The moment he chose Cassandra Delacroix over me? That killed any love I had. Cruelty I could forgive. Infidelity? Never."

Eleanor scoffed. "Men err. Your marriage lacked love initially—his affair was understandable. What matters is he chooses you now."

"High-society marriages rarely involve love. Even when they do, it never lasts. Why cling to such ideals?"

Vivian smirked. "If elite marriages are so miserable, why would I want one? Unless Cassandra vanishes, reconciliation is impossible."

This wasn't about hatred. It was a reminder—Nathaniel's betrayal must never be forgotten.

"So it's her or you?"

Eleanor finally grasped the condition. She inhaled sharply. "Very well. Nathaniel and I will... handle Cassandra."

Vivian almost explained, then stopped. Let them misinterpret. "Believe what you want. She's why my love died."

Evelyn Whitmore grew anxious watching the tension. She genuinely hoped for reconciliation. The late Arthur Lockhart had orchestrated this marriage for a reason.

"Don't rush, Mrs. Whitmore. Any betrayed woman would react this way. If she didn't, it'd mean she never loved him."

Evelyn whispered, "Let me persuade Miss Lockhart. But Mr. Blackwood mustn't disappoint her again."

Eleanor nodded approvingly. "Good instincts for a servant. You'll be rewarded."

She pulled Evelyn closer, whispering strategies to change Vivian's mind.

Their intense scheming left Vivian speechless.