Chapter 333

Nathaniel's brow furrowed as he sank into deep contemplation. His piercing gaze, sharp as a wolf's, locked onto Vivian. "Let me get this straight—you've been manipulating Julian and our entire family from the start? This was all an elaborate scheme to deceive the Blackwoods?"

Vivian drew a shaky breath before nodding. "I... I'm truly sorry. I was wrong."

"Don't—!" Julian tried to intervene but it was too late. He slammed his fist against the table in frustration. "Damn it, Vivian! You're throwing everything away for that bastard!"

His knuckles turned white. Julian knew Frederick better than anyone—the old patriarch despised deception with a passion. When provoked, he became dangerously unpredictable. How would this end?

"Well, isn't this just perfect?" Frederick's voice dripped with venom as he leveled his revolver at Vivian. "I admired you. Respected you as Arthur's granddaughter. I would've given you everything. But betrayal?" His finger hovered over the trigger. "The Blackwood code is clear—traitors die."

Julian moved like lightning, shielding Vivian with his body. "That's our family law, old man. She's not one of us. If you're going to shoot, aim at me!"

"You think I won't?" Frederick sneered.

"Of course you will." Julian flashed a reckless grin. "The great Frederick Blackwood, putting bullets in his own flesh and blood. How very dramatic."

Eleanor shot to her feet. "Enough! Must you make this worse?"

William stepped forward, voice trembling. "Father, please. They're young and impulsive. Shouldn't we guide them rather than punish?"

The words gave the volatile patriarch pause. Slowly, he lowered the weapon. "Listen carefully, girl. You've got talent—more than your grandfather even. It'd be a waste to kill you." His eyes hardened. "Renounce Ethan. Marry Julian. Do this, and I'll spare his life."

Vivian's breath hitched. "You'd... let Ethan go?"

"I make no promises about the Blackwoods. But for you?" Frederick's mouth twisted into something resembling mercy. "Consider it a wedding gift."

Her nails dug into her palms.

'Perfect. Now I'm some bargaining chip in their war.'

But the alternative was death—for both of them.

Swallowing her pride, Vivian stepped forward. "I choose—"