Chapter 43
“But my sister is a respectable entrepreneur. It’s completely unjust to portray her in such a negative light. And of all times, this had to happen right before Vanessa and Zachary’s wedding…” Isabella said, her voice trembling with indignation.
“Respectable? More like deceitful!” Archibald scoffed, his tone dripping with disdain. Isabella stiffened, her fingers curling into fists. “Don’t assume I’m oblivious just because I’m old and no longer running the show. The Delacroix Group sealed its own fate by engaging in unethical business practices!”
“And don’t you dare use Zachary as leverage against me. If he insists on marrying a Delacroix, then I’ll cut him off without hesitation! You’re all free to associate with whomever you please. You won’t even need to attend my funeral when I’m gone!” Archibald ranted, his face flushed with anger.
“Father!” Alistair sighed, rubbing his temples. Tears streamed down Isabella’s cheeks, but her eyes burned with icy fury. She had endured Archibald’s tyranny for over two decades—she wished nothing more than for him to die with regrets!
“Grandfather!” Zachary strode forward, reaching out to steady the old man, but Archibald shoved him away. “Spare me the theatrics! You’re just like your father—willing to throw everything away for some scheming woman!”
“I won’t intervene on behalf of the Delacroix Group. My stance has always been clear,” Zachary stated calmly.
Archibald’s eyes brightened instantly. “Truly?”
“Yes. The Delacroix Group’s unscrupulous dealings are undeniable. I refuse to be associated with them.”
“And what about your engagement to that Delacroix girl?”
“Vanessa is separate from this. The wedding will proceed as planned,” Zachary replied firmly.
Archibald exhaled sharply. “Fine, fine. At least you still have some sense. I haven’t spoiled you for nothing! You’re marginally better than your fool of a father!”
He waved a hand dismissively, still baffled by his grandson’s choice to abandon a refined woman like Evelyn Sinclair for a conniving social climber like Vanessa.
“Aunt Isabella,” Zachary turned to her, his voice cold. “Genevieve is your sister, so I understand your desire to protect your family. But there’s one condition—you will not compromise Blackwood Enterprises’ interests. Otherwise, wouldn’t that contradict your own claims about prioritizing the Blackwood family’s welfare?”
Isabella flushed, rendered speechless. The audacity! He had been such a timid child, barely uttering a word even when hurt. Now, he had the nerve to lecture her with that sharp tongue of his!
“Father,” Zachary continued, his tone strictly professional, “though Vanessa is my fiancée, I remain impartial. Personal relationships never influence business decisions. As chairman, I expect you to uphold the company’s best interests above all else.”
Archibald’s expression darkened. Zachary was subtly accusing him of being irrational. Gritting his teeth, he snapped, “My decision to assist the Delacroix Group isn’t solely because of Isabella!”
“I traveled to Yoarkley for a crucial overseas deal, only for the other party to cancel at the last minute. Later, I discovered Nathan Whitmore, president of Whitmore Holdings, had intercepted them. Whatever he offered, it cost us the partnership.”
“Everything traces back to the Whitmores. They’re deliberately undermining us. How can I let them trample over Blackwood Enterprises again?”
“Is that so?” Zachary murmured.
The century-old rivalry between Blackwood Enterprises and Whitmore Holdings ran deep. One of the Whitmore elders had even sworn no Whitmore would ever marry a Blackwood. Their clashes in business were legendary, neither side willing to concede.
Nathan’s interference in Blackwood’s hotel project was just the latest move in their feud—and now, he was causing trouble internationally.
A realization struck Zachary. “Father, you said you encountered Nathan in Yoarkley?”
“Yes.”
“Today?”
“Of course.”
