Chapter 253

Nathaniel had always despised his useless younger brother, Preston.

He thought Preston spent his days pandering to women—carrying their bags, adjusting their shawls—like some glorified servant. No ambition, no backbone! But who could've predicted that Dominic, the titan of Wall Street and one of the most powerful men in New York, would publicly declare Preston his godson? It was a blatant show of support.

The worst part? Dominic showered Preston with praise in front of everyone.

Was this some twisted way of humiliating Nathaniel?

The Sinclair siblings exchanged glances. Seraphina's lips curled into a smirk, barely holding back her laughter.

Classic Dominic. Always playing the long game.

Nathaniel never expected this dinner to turn into a lion's den.

"Mr. Dominic, you're far too generous with my boy!"

Mr. and Mrs. Lockwood were stunned. Sebastian was torn between shock and delight but still tried to protest.

"Preston isn't worthy of such an honor! He should just keep working at the firm. We wouldn't dare ask for more!"

"We've known each other for years. I don't give my trust lightly." Dominic's smile was razor-sharp. "If Preston weren't exceptional, I wouldn't have chosen him. Don't you agree?"

Every word was a slap to Nathaniel's face.

His fists clenched under the table, knuckles white.

Just as he was about to excuse himself, Dominic casually remarked, "Seraphina, pass a message to Adrian when you see him."

"What is it, Father?" She rested her chin on her palm, voice honeyed.

"The proposal he submitted—the acquisition of Summit Holdings—I've approved it. He can proceed immediately."

Nathaniel froze.

A bolt of lightning couldn't have struck him harder.

Summit Holdings was the largest shareholder of his company.

If Dominic acquired it, he'd effectively own Nathaniel's empire.

The realization hit him like a freight train.

His jaw locked, eyes burning with fury. Cold sweat soaked through his tailored suit.

He couldn't bring himself to meet Dominic or Seraphina's gaze, but he felt it—sharp, predatory, dissecting him piece by piece.

This dinner wasn't a reunion.

It was a warning.

Cross his daughter, and he'd dismantle Nathaniel's world.

After dinner, the Lockwoods lingered in the lounge, chatting in small groups.

Seraphina caught up with her brothers while Sebastian and Oliver—colleagues at the firm—laughed over a game of Monopoly.

Then, a misstep.

Seraphina knocked over her wineglass.

Crimson liquid splashed across her silk dress, trailing down her legs, staining her bare feet.

"I'll clean it!" Sebastian scrambled for napkins.

"Let me!" Oliver fumbled for a towel.

"Should I—?" Adrian hesitated, then moved to help.

But before any of them could act, Preston was already there.

He dropped to his knees before Seraphina, pulling a handkerchief from his pocket. Gently, meticulously, he dabbed at the wine on her foot—as if this were nothing more than his duty as her assistant.

The room fell silent.

Natalie, mid-conversation with her mother, went rigid.

A chill slithered down her spine.

Her vision blurred. Chest aching, she whispered, "Excuse me," and fled before the tears could fall.

"Preston," Seraphina murmured, stepping back. "I need to freshen up."

And just like that, she left him kneeling—center stage, under everyone's scrutiny.