Chapter 394

A glacial glint flashed in Nathaniel's eyes as Gregory's hypocritical words reached his ears.

'What kind of father is this man? What kind of upbringing did Evelyn endure?'

Nathaniel's voice dropped to a dangerous timbre. "First, prove yourself worthy of being Evelyn's father. Then, I might consider acknowledging you as my father-in-law. But given how utterly you've failed her, you don't even deserve basic human decency."

Gregory swallowed hard, guilt and pressure crushing him. He wanted to argue, but one look into Nathaniel's icy gaze paralyzed him with fear. The man before him was nothing like the respectful son-in-law he'd met before.

That first meeting had been cordial—Nathaniel had shown him courtesy. Now? Only ruthless disdain.

It hit Gregory then—his status meant nothing. The only reason he'd ever been tolerated was because of Evelyn. Without her, he wouldn't even be allowed past the gates of the Grayson estate.

As for Cassandra? Swapping her with Evelyn was impossible. Gregory was getting older, and though he despised groveling, he couldn't pass up the chance to be linked to the Graysons.

Forcing a paternal smile, he turned to Evelyn, voice dripping with false warmth. "Don't misunderstand, sweetheart. I had too much to drink before coming. Those words? Just drunken nonsense. Truth is, I was hurt you never came home."

His tone turned pleading. "I worried sick when you disappeared! The moment I heard you were here, I rushed over. Please, talk to your husband—don't let him throw his own father-in-law out!"

Evelyn, still wrapped in Nathaniel's arms, slowly turned to face him. The man was familiar, yet a stranger.

"You're Cassandra's father, not mine. You didn't come for me. You came to replace me with her."

Gregory's smile stiffened. Rage simmered beneath his skin at her defiance, but he forced a wider grin under Nathaniel's watchful gaze. "It's all a misunderstanding! No need for this hostility—we can work this out!"

Evelyn's lips curled into a mocking smile.

In that moment, she felt relief. A spineless coward like Gregory wasn't her real father. She refused to share his blood.

Ignoring him, she tilted her head toward Theodore, who stood waiting nearby. "You recognize them, don't you? Next time they show up, don't hold back."

Theodore bowed. "Understood, ma'am." With a sharp gesture, he summoned the staff to drag Gregory out—straight to where his wife and daughter waited.

Realizing his act had failed, Gregory snapped. He thrashed, cursing. "Evelyn! You ungrateful wretch! How dare you treat your own father this way? Mark my words—karma will destroy you!"

Nathaniel's expression darkened. No one insulted Evelyn.

A single glance at Theodore was all it took.

Gregory wouldn't leave unscathed.