Chapter 14
Zachary guided Vanessa into his office under the watchful eyes of everyone in the Blackwood Enterprises building. The moment the doors clicked shut behind them, she threw herself into his arms, clinging to him with tear-streaked cheeks.
“Thank you for coming for me, Zachary. I was terrified…”
His dark eyes were unreadable as he pushed her away.
“Zachary?” Vanessa blinked in confusion.
“Why did you do it?” His voice was ice, his gaze sharper than steel.
“Do what?”
“Leaking our engagement to Verona Daily.”
She exhaled in relief and tried to embrace him again. “Because I want to marry you. Don’t you want that too?”
“I do. But what you did was reckless.” His expression remained rigid, devoid of the warmth she was used to.
“Reckless? You and Evelyn aren’t married anymore!”
“There are still legal formalities to finalize. And I promised Grandfather we wouldn’t make the divorce public until after his 80th birthday.” Zachary stepped back, evading her touch. “She’s still my wife in name. Your stunt has upset everyone involved—especially Grandfather. He’ll only resent you more now.”
Zachary had always been brutally honest, weighing every action with cold precision. Even as a child, he’d struggled with emotions. The only tenderness he’d ever shown was reserved for Vanessa—but that didn’t soften his words. He assumed she’d understand, given their history.
But she didn’t.
Her eyes burned with fury. “Who’s upset? Are you feeling guilty because the internet is calling Evelyn a homewrecker? Is that it?”
“I don’t pity her. But Evelyn isn’t just some stranger. This shouldn’t have happened.” He pinched the bridge of his nose, a throbbing headache building behind his temples.
“What are you saying? She is the other woman!” Vanessa shrieked, her voice shrill enough to worsen his pain. “We would’ve been together years ago if not for her! She stole my place beside you for three damn years!”
“It’s because Evelyn played the role of my wife for three years that Grandfather is even considering us now. Without her, he’d never allow this.” The words twisted something inside him.
Because it was true.
Would Archibald have ever accepted Vanessa if Evelyn hadn’t quietly endured those years?
That woman had always greeted him with a soft smile when he came home. She’d helped him out of his coat, drawn his baths, handled everything without complaint. Never fought. Never cried. Never made demands. Not even when she signed the divorce papers.
Evelyn might have left with Nathan, but she’d fulfilled her role flawlessly. And what had he done? Used her as a stepping stone to the woman he really loved.
The guilt was bitter.
“Zachary… are you defending her?” Vanessa’s voice trembled with disbelief. Since when had he become so hard to read?
“No. I’m stating facts.” His phone buzzed—Grandfather. Knowing the call wouldn’t be pleasant, he opened the door and signaled Maxwell, who stood guard outside. “Escort Ms. Delacroix home.”
“Right away, Mr. Blackwood.” Maxwell gestured for Vanessa to follow.
“Zachary! I don’t want to go—I’m scared!” She clutched his arm, tears welling.
“Don’t be. Avoid the media. I’ll handle the rest.” His tone left no room for argument as he ushered her out. Once the door closed, he answered the call, bracing himself.
“Grandfather.”
“Zachary Blackwood!” Archibald’s voice crackled with fury. “You broke your promise. Are you so desperate to marry that scheming girl? Do it, and you’re no longer my heir!”
“The media leaked it. Not me.”
“I know Vanessa orchestrated this! She’s panicking because you’re dragging your feet!”
“It wasn’t her. You’re mistaken.” The lie tasted sour.
“You will not marry her! Fix things with Evelyn!” Archibald’s preference was clear.
“You gave me your word. After three years, the choice was mine.” Zachary’s breaths grew labored as sweat beaded on his forehead. “Evelyn and I are over. I want Vanessa.”
“Fine! Stay blind! But mark my words—you’ll regret losing Evelyn!” The line went dead.
Zachary exhaled sharply, gripping his desk for support as he fumbled for painkillers. Maxwell returned just as he swallowed them.
“Another headache, sir?”
“It’s nothing.” Zachary massaged his temples, eyes closed.
“Those pills aren’t a solution. Madam Evelyn used to ease your pain with massages and acupuncture. Why has it returned?” Maxwell sighed. “We could really use her right now…”
“Enough.” Zachary’s jaw tightened.
“About the investigation you requested…” Maxwell hesitated. “We’ve confirmed it.”
“Speak.”
“The anonymous accounts that spread Madam Evelyn’s scandal… they trace back to Ms. Delacroix.”
Zachary went rigid. “You’re certain?”
“Absolutely, sir. The timing—right after your engagement news—was deliberate.”
The truth hit like a blade. “Vanessa… why?”
He knew she loved him. Knew she despised Evelyn. But this?
“Erase it. I want every trace of those rumors gone by tonight.”
Frederick Delacroix, his wife Genevieve, and their son Raphael were waiting when Vanessa arrived home.
“Brilliant move, Vanessa!” Raphael grinned. “Announcing your engagement saved Delacroix Textiles! Orders are flooding in!”
“You’ve saved us!” Frederick clapped her shoulder.
After Whitmore Holdings canceled their contract, the hotel industry had abandoned them. Vanessa’s plan to leverage the Blackwood name had worked perfectly.
But she wasn’t celebrating.
“We saved the business, but at what cost? Zachary is furious! That old man hates me even more now!”
“Who cares?” Raphael smirked. “Archibald’s on borrowed time. Once he’s gone, the Blackwoods will be ours. Isabella has Alistair wrapped around her finger, and you’ve got Zachary.”
Genevieve stroked her daughter’s hair. “He’s right, darling. As long as Zachary loves you, nothing can stop you. Just look at Isabella.”
Vanessa finally smiled.
She would become a Blackwood.
