Chapter 221

"Isabella, how many times must I remind you? Dropping silverware at the table is unacceptable behavior." Eleanor Sinclair's voice was sharp as she reprimanded her granddaughter.

"Oh, come now, it's just a fork! Must you scold the child so harshly?" Reginald Sinclair, ever the doting grandfather, immediately jumped to Isabella's defense.

Eleanor's fingers curled into fists beneath the tablecloth. It seemed that in Reginald's presence, even breathing the wrong way was a crime.

"I'm finished eating." Isabella murmured, her cheeks burning with humiliation as she pushed back her chair and fled the dining room.

As she disappeared, Nathaniel Kingsley watched her go, his expression unreadable. Across the table, Victoria Sterling smirked in satisfaction.

Good, she thought. You could have stayed in your quiet little corner, Isabella. But no—you had to interfere where you didn’t belong. Now you’ll learn your place. Let’s see who truly deserves Alexander’s affection.

"Wait—Alexander?" Reginald frowned in confusion. "I thought he was interested in Evelyn?"

The entire table froze. It was as if a flock of crows had suddenly descended upon them.

Nathaniel, mid-sip of his water, choked violently at his grandfather’s words.

"Grandfather, how could Alexander possibly be interested in Evelyn?" Victoria snapped, her face flushing with anger.

"Didn’t he show clear interest in her at my birthday gala?" Reginald countered. "I may be old, but my eyesight is still sharp. The way he hovered around her—it was obvious. He’s the type who’d be utterly devoted to his wife."

His sharp gaze then landed on Nathaniel. "In fact, I was considering arranging a match between them. The Fairhaven family is prestigious, and Alexander treats Evelyn well. They’d have a comfortable, happy life together."

Comfortable? Happy? Nathaniel’s grip tightened around his glass.

"Grandfather, am I not your granddaughter?" Victoria’s voice trembled with barely suppressed tears. "I’m the one who loves Alexander, not Evelyn! Shouldn’t you support me? Why would you push him toward her?"

"Do you love Alexander?" Reginald asked pointedly. "But does he love you?"

Victoria faltered.

"That night, did he even glance in your direction? Did he speak a single word to you?"

Her jaw clenched, but she couldn’t deny it.

"Love can’t be forced, Victoria. And with Alexander’s temper, you’d be at each other’s throats within a week."

"Father, don’t pressure her like this," Harrison Sinclair interjected. "Alexander does care for Victoria. He even visited her at home—Eleanor and I saw it ourselves."

Victoria’s heart skipped a beat at the mention of that disastrous encounter. She knew Alexander despised her, but so what? Once they were married, she’d win him over.

"Is that so?" Reginald stroked his chin thoughtfully.

"Yes," Eleanor chimed in. "Alexander is a man of status. When has he ever gone out of his way to visit a young woman at her home? His interest is clear. And as for Evelyn—well, I’ve heard she’s already involved with someone else."

Nathaniel’s gaze snapped to Eleanor, icy and dangerous. She stiffened but pressed on. "Sebastian Chambers, the youngest heir of the Chambers Group."

Reginald’s eyebrows shot up. "Evelyn has a suitor? Who?"

"Sebastian Chambers," Eleanor repeated hastily.

This tidbit had come from Arabella, though Victoria had also hinted at Evelyn’s closeness with Sebastian. True or not, it served its purpose—dashing any hopes of an Evelyn-Alexander match.

"Evelyn and Sebastian are not involved."

Nathaniel’s voice was low, but it cut through the room like a blade. He set his glass down with deliberate force, his expression dark.

"Yet I’ve heard they’ve been seen together multiple times—private dinners, concerts—"

"If I say they’re not involved, they’re not."

Nathaniel’s glare was lethal. "Evelyn is a lady of standing—heiress to the Sinclair fortune, CEO of The Grand Marquis. Spreading baseless rumors damages her reputation."

Eleanor’s lips thinned, but she had no retort.

"Nathaniel!" Harrison barked. "Is that any way to speak to your stepmother?"

Without another word, Nathaniel stood, his presence chilling the air. "I’ve lost my appetite. Enjoy your meal."

Reginald watched his grandson stride away, his gaze calculating.

Nathaniel stormed into the garden, loosening his tie with rough, agitated movements.

Ever since Reginald had suggested pairing Alexander with Evelyn, his chest had been tight, restless. And when Eleanor had insinuated Evelyn’s involvement with Sebastian? The air had turned suffocating.

He needed a cigarette.

Pulling one from his pocket, he lit it and exhaled sharply, the smoke curling into the night.

The more he thought about it, the more his irritation flared. He yanked out his phone and dialed.

"Nathaniel. Finally remembered I exist?" Alexander’s voice was laced with lazy amusement. "Since that food poisoning incident, you’ve completely ignored me. Found a new best friend?"

"I need to talk to you." Nathaniel took another drag. "The Sinclairs are pushing for Victoria to marry you."

A beat of silence. Then—

"What the hell?"

Alexander’s shout was loud enough to make Nathaniel pull the phone away from his ear.

"You’re joking. Tell me you’re joking."

"Do I sound like I’m joking?"

"Damn it, Nathaniel! You know what Victoria’s like! You’re not playing matchmaker—you’re throwing me into a pit of vipers!"

"She’s troublesome, but you’re worse. Perfect match, don’t you think?" Nathaniel exhaled smoke, his tone dry. "You always said it didn’t matter who you married—that they were just decoration."

"I did, but—"

"So why not Victoria? She’s infatuated with you, and the Sinclair name is nothing to scoff at."

"Because she’s insufferable! You’re not setting me up—you’re sacrificing me!"

Nathaniel smirked humorlessly. "Every rogue meets his match. She can’t outmaneuver you."

"Not funny."

"Sebastian can’t have her."

The words slipped out before Nathaniel could stop them. His jaw clenched.

He felt like a man swatting away flies around Evelyn—desperate to keep every unwanted suitor at bay.