Chapter 347

The grand Abernathy residence was eerily quiet.

Nathaniel sat rigidly on the velvet sofa, his fingers scrolling through the latest headlines with increasing tension.

Despite deploying the nation's top crisis management team, the scandal involving Alexander and Seraphina showed no signs of fading. The internet was a wildfire of speculation, and Alexander's silence only deepened the shadows cast over the Abernathy name.

Across the room, Victoria lounged at her gilded vanity, meticulously brushing her waist-length hair—a vanity project costing over a million annually.

Back in the day, this very hair had ensnared Nathaniel, becoming his obsession during their most intimate moments.

"Nathaniel," she purred, twisting in her seat to crook a finger at him.

"What?" He didn’t glance up from his phone.

"Come here. Touch it. I’ve spent thirty years maintaining this for you." Her voice dripped honey, eyes gleaming with practiced allure. "Tell me it still feels the same."

"Victoria."

A question burned in Nathaniel’s throat—Did you have a hand in Evangeline’s downfall?—but he swallowed it.

Instead, he deflected. "At the hospital, when Alexander was admitted, Julian confessed his feelings for Arabella."

Victoria shot up, her face alight with triumph. "When did this happen?"

"During Alexander’s hospitalization. Julian brought Arabella to visit."

"Perfect!" She clapped her hands, giddy. "And your father’s reaction? Julian’s practically his second son! This match is ideal—he approved, didn’t he?"

"You were so adamant about pairing Genevieve with Julian before," Nathaniel remarked coolly. "Why the sudden enthusiasm for Arabella?"

Victoria sidestepped smoothly. "Darling, don’t make me sound heartless. Arabella is my daughter too. If Julian loves her, why shouldn’t I celebrate?"

"Celebrate all you want," Nathaniel muttered. "But until it’s official, things can still change."

"You don’t want her marrying into the Lockwoods?" Victoria’s voice sharpened.

"Did you see Eleanor Lockwood’s face when she left last time? Furious. Julian is her only son—do you really think she’ll accept this?"

Victoria fell silent.

She remembered Eleanor’s blazing eyes, the unspoken venom. But no—this wasn’t over.

If Julian was willing, she’d move heaven and earth to secure this match.

With a sigh, she glided to Nathaniel, kneading his shoulders. "You’ve been tense lately. Let me fix this."

"How?"

"Let Alexander marry Seraphina. Everyone wins. If we accept Seraphina, Eleanor will accept Arabella."

"Alexander only loves Evangeline. You know that."

Victoria laughed coldly. "Love means nothing if it’s unrequited. After the divorce and now this scandal? Evangeline would rather die than take him back."

She’d rather die.

Before Nathaniel could respond, urgent knocking interrupted.

"Sir, the Lockwoods are here."

"Tell them I’m not home."

"Sir... Mr. Reginald Lockwood is with them."

Nathaniel’s stomach dropped.

Victoria smirked. "See? Until Alexander marries Seraphina, this won’t end. Even Reginald is involved now."

Reginald Lockwood sat like a king on the Abernathys’ sofa, his presence suffocating the room.

"Mr. Lockwood," Nathaniel greeted stiffly. "Had we known you were coming—"

"I’m here because your family disrespects mine," Reginald cut in, icy. "My granddaughter visits, and your son can’t even be bothered to see her?"

Seraphina, nestled against Eleanor, wept silently into a handkerchief.

Victoria interjected sweetly, "Alexander wasn’t avoiding you—"

"I asked him," Reginald snapped, not sparing her a glance.

Victoria flushed crimson.

Eleanor hid a smirk. This social-climbing actress thought she could speak to Reginald Lockwood?

"Last time, you claimed Alexander wasn’t home," Reginald continued. "Today, I won’t leave without seeing him." He pulled Seraphina forward. "Will he hide forever after what he’s done?"

Hide?

Nathaniel’s jaw tightened.

Then—

"I believe Seraphina knows exactly why I’ve stayed silent."

A voice, cold and controlled, sliced through the tension.

All eyes turned.

Alexander descended the staircase, his tailored suit accentuating his imposing frame.

Seraphina’s breath hitched.

This man was every woman’s fantasy.

She would have him.

"Are you implying my granddaughter is at fault?" Reginald demanded.

Alexander smirked. "If you understood, why ask and humiliate her further?"

Silence.

Seraphina paled.

Reginald’s face purpled with rage.

"Alexander!" Nathaniel hissed.

"Rude?" Alexander’s gaze locked onto Seraphina. "Then let’s settle this. Swear to me, Seraphina."

Her pulse spiked.

"Swear you were innocent that night. That you knew nothing."

Her lips trembled. "Thad—why would you say that? You invited me to the hotel!"

His eyes narrowed.

"We agreed on Room 2051. I showered while waiting. You arrived right after. That’s what happened!" Tears spilled. "I’ll swear—if that’s what you want!"

She raised three fingers. "I swear everything I said is true. If I lie, may I be struck dead the moment I step outside!"

A hollow oath.

She believed in no divine justice—only getting what she wanted, by any means necessary.