Chapter 319

Eleanor Blackwood finally snapped out of her daze.

"Victoria!" Her voice was sharp with fury. "Have you lost all sense of dignity? Brawling like a common street thug in public! You’ve humiliated me beyond measure!"

Eleanor stormed toward Victoria Sullivan, her face twisted in rage, ready to strike down the disgraceful girl.

Originally, Eleanor had brought Victoria to Blackwood Manor to secure her future—to have her win Ethan Blackwood’s favor and secure a comfortable life.

But who would’ve thought?

Victoria had been outmaneuvered by a five-year-old.

Pathetic.

Eleanor had no patience for useless women.

Victoria clung to Eleanor’s leg, desperate. "Aunt Eleanor, please—help me!"

Eleanor sneered. "Why should I waste my time on a failure like you? Get her out of my sight!"

Nathan Carter blinked.

This old woman was even more ruthless than the Fourth Master himself.

Within seconds, two Blackwood guards dragged Victoria out like a stray dog. Whether she lived or died was no longer anyone’s concern.

At least Nathan didn’t have to dirty his hands.

He turned his attention to Isabella Thornton.

"Miss Thornton," he said coolly. "Would you prefer to walk out on your own, or shall I escort you?"

Isabella’s tears had dried in shock. She trembled as she looked at Ethan. "Fourth Master… you’re really going to throw me into the river?"

Before Ethan could respond, William Thornton’s hand lashed out, striking Isabella hard across the face.

The slap left a vivid red mark, swelling instantly. Her once-delicate features were now distorted, her face resembling a misshapen pumpkin.

Lily Blackwood, still tucked safely in Ethan’s arms, forgot her fear.

She almost laughed.

If only she had her phone—she could’ve snapped a picture to show her mother.

Lily remembered the first day they arrived in this city, outside the hospital. This woman, Isabella, had humiliated her mother.

She remembered her mother whispering in her sleep, gritting her teeth: "Isabella… don’t push me. Don’t make me hate you completely."

Lily knew her mother despised this woman.

A photo of Isabella’s swollen face would’ve made her mother’s day.

On the other side, Isabella clutched her cheek, staring at William in disbelief. "Grandfather… you’ve always loved me. How could you hit me?"

"Disgraceful!" William roared. "You’ve brought shame upon this family!" He struck her again.

Now, Isabella’s face was fully swollen—round and bloated, like a squashed pumpkin.

Lily tugged at Ethan’s sleeve. "Can I borrow your phone?"

Ethan frowned. "Why?"

"To take a picture," Lily grinned. "She looks like a pumpkin now."

Ethan + everyone else: "…"

"Utterly lacking in manners!" William snapped.

The room fell silent. Even William Blackwood, seated at the head of the room, winced.

But William Thornton had saved William Blackwood’s life decades ago. Their bond ran deep. Even now, William Blackwood couldn’t openly reprimand him.

Especially since today’s chaos was caused by his own great-granddaughter.

Though secretly amused by Lily’s mischief, William Blackwood forced a stern expression. "Lily! Where are your manners? Has your mother taught you nothing?"

Lily shrank back into Ethan’s arms.

The guests exchanged knowing glances.

Everyone knew who Lily’s mother was—Sophia Montgomery.

Her reputation in Harborview City had been ruined six years ago.

Even though she’d borne Ethan’s child, it was clear the Blackwoods would never accept her.

Which meant… Isabella Thornton still had a chance.

After all, she and Ethan had nearly married six years ago. If not for Sophia’s interference, they might’ve had a child Lily’s age by now.

No wonder Isabella had dared to fight Victoria in the middle of Blackwood Manor.

She still considered herself Ethan’s fiancée.

A few sycophants rushed to comfort Isabella.

"Miss Thornton, let me get you some ice for your face."

"Don’t be upset. Your grandfather only struck you out of love."

"Any woman would react the same way if her man was being stolen."

Their words painted Isabella as the wronged wife.

William Thornton sighed, turning to Ethan. "Ethan, Isabella acted out of love for you. Surely you can forgive her?"

Before he could finish, Ethan’s cold voice cut through the room.

"Nathan."

"Yes, Fourth Master."

"Since you didn’t get to throw Victoria out earlier, you have another task now."

Nathan hesitated.

Was he really about to eject Isabella?

Probably.

Even if it meant defying William Thornton, Nathan obeyed only Ethan.

If Ethan ordered him to throw Isabella into the river, he’d do it without question.

He reached for Isabella’s arm—

But then Ethan spoke again.

"Does your phone have a good camera?"

Nathan blinked. "What?"

"Take pictures of Isabella’s face. High resolution. Multiple angles. Plenty of them."

Ethan’s tone was casual.

Deadly casual.