Chapter 423

Victoria Blackwood let out a derisive laugh. "Oh spare me the theatrics! Stop using Nathaniel to intimidate us. He would've married Cassandra if you hadn't interfered! My daughter would be Mrs. Grayson by now!"

Her face flushed with anger whenever she dwelled on what could have been.

Evelyn Whitmore was stunned by their unwavering confidence. Even now, they clung to the delusion that Cassandra was Nathaniel's first choice.

'As if a man like Nathaniel would ever fall for someone as artificial as Cassandra,' Evelyn thought wryly.

The commotion at the entrance roused Gregory from his nap. Rubbing sleep from his eyes, he descended the stairs to investigate.

His expression darkened when he spotted Evelyn. "You! How dare you show your face here again?"

Evelyn noted his injuries hadn't fully healed - swollen eyes and bruised nose giving him the appearance of a battered prizefighter.

'The servants must have given him quite the beating when he stormed in with Cassandra and Victoria that day,' she realized.

She met his glare evenly. "Yes, I'm back. And why shouldn't I be? I've done nothing wrong."

Gregory's face twisted with rage. Shoving Victoria and Cassandra aside, he jabbed a finger at Evelyn. "You ungrateful wretch! After ordering the servants to attack me? Today you'll learn what happens to disrespectful daughters!"

His hand swung toward her face with surprising speed.

But Evelyn caught his wrist effortlessly, her grip like steel. "Mr. Whitmore, I'd advise against violence. Let's have a civilized conversation instead."

This wasn't Gregory's first attempt to strike her.

Previously, believing him her biological father, she'd shown restraint - dodging rather than blocking his blows to spare his dignity.

No longer.

Her fingers tightened around his wrist. The coldness in her eyes held neither respect nor mercy.

Gregory strained against her hold, shocked when his greater size and weight proved useless against her slender frame.

'Since when did she become so strong? This isn't the weak girl I remember,' he thought, panic rising.

Humiliation burned through him. "Have you lost your mind? Striking your own father? You'll burn for this!"

Evelyn's voice remained calm. "I simply want answers. Tell me the truth, and I might let you keep the engagement gifts."

Gregory's eyes widened. 'She came for the gifts? Over my dead body! Those are the most valuable things I've ever owned!'