Chapter 282

Isabella's bright eyes sparkled with mischief as she struggled to suppress a grin.

Nathaniel Kingsley momentarily forgot his pain, his entire focus locked on her radiant expression. A contented smile curved his lips despite the circumstances.

The room gasped collectively as Mr. Kingsley publicly berated Frederic Vanderbilt, heir to the Windermere Estate, without sparing an ounce of dignity.

Frederic Vanderbilt, humiliated before the elite of Elmsworth? Unthinkable!

Frederic's face burned crimson with fury. His jaw clenched as he barked, "Butler! Clear the room at once!"

"Absolutely not!" Mr. Kingsley's voice boomed with authority. "Tonight's matter will be settled here, in front of everyone. No one leaves!"

The old man's presence was formidable, his temper legendary—traits Isabella had clearly inherited.

"Father, what is the meaning of this?" Frederic snapped, irritation lacing his tone.

"Meaning?" Mr. Kingsley scoffed, tilting his head with disdain. "You disgrace Nathaniel in front of high society, yet dare question me? If you can shame him publicly, then I'll resolve this publicly!"

"Father! Must you always coddle this insolent son of mine?" Frederic's finger jabbed toward Nathaniel. "Your indulgence has made him arrogant beyond measure! Soon, he won't even acknowledge his own father!"

A cold, mirthless laugh escaped Nathaniel's lips.

The moment his mother had leapt from this very villa's rooftop, his so-called father had ceased to exist in his heart.

Isabella caught that hollow sound.

Her gaze lingered on Nathaniel's sharp profile, the hatred simmering in his eyes striking her like a blade. A pang of sorrow twisted in her chest.

"You claim Nathaniel is arrogant?" Mr. Kingsley leaned back, picking at his teeth with unsettling nonchalance. "Explain. How?"

The gathered elite exchanged glances—this old man truly had no filter.

"He defies me! Disobeys me!" Frederic spat, too enraged to think clearly. "I disciplined him according to family law! As his father, I have every right!"

"Ah, yes. Defiance." Mr. Kingsley's mocking gaze slid to Elspeth. "Frederic, you're the expert on that, aren't you? By your logic, I should've whipped you bloody when you dragged her into this family!"

The Abernathys' faces darkened.

"The Vanderbilt family law punishes those who deserve punishment." Mr. Kingsley slammed his palm on the armrest, making Elspeth flinch. "Tell me—what crime did Nathaniel commit?"

"He abandoned our family event to support the Sinclairs!" Frederic exploded.

Isabella's eyes widened. She turned to Nathaniel, stunned.

"For months, K Group has been undermining Vanderbilt Industries! Your precious granddaughter has been sabotaging us, costing over a billion in market value! This weekend's gala was critical—a chance to rally Elmsworth's elite. Yet as CEO, he chose to stand with our rivals!" Frederic's voice shook with rage. "Tell me, Father—how could I not punish such betrayal?"

Isabella's pulse quickened. She stared at Nathaniel, her thoughts in turmoil.

"Oh? You mean Elspeth's birthday gala?" Mr. Kingsley arched a brow.

"Yes! It's more than a party—it's a strategic opportunity!"

"Well, if Nathaniel isn't attending, neither am I."

"What?!"

"Not only that, I'll be joining Isabella at Emeric Sinclair's birthday celebration for his wife, Myra." Mr. Kingsley grinned. "Problem? Will you whip me too?"

"Grandfather..." Isabella was speechless. His blatant favoritism was almost touching.

"Father! You're doing this deliberately!" Frederic hurled the whip to the ground.

"Of course I am." Mr. Kingsley's expression hardened. "Your wife's reputation is in tatters, yet you throw her a lavish gala? If you've no shame, I still have mine to protect!"

The crowd's scornful glances toward Elspeth were unmistakable.

Elspeth's neck flushed scarlet. She seethed internally—Why won't this old bastard just die? Once he's gone, we'll see who protects Nathaniel and that Sinclair wench!

"Regardless, Nathaniel and I aren't attending. Deal with it." Mr. Kingsley turned to the couple, his voice softening. "Isabella, Nathaniel—you're coming home with me tonight."

Their eyes met. A silent understanding passed between them before they nodded.

Just then, Mr. Murray rushed in with a physician.

"Mr. Frederic, the doctor has arrived."

"Good. He can tend to Nathaniel at my estate." Mr. Kingsley rose. "I refuse to stay in this wretched place another minute!"

With his grandchildren in tow, he strode past Frederic without a backward glance.

"Oh, and one more thing—starting today, the Vanderbilt family's archaic laws are abolished!" He shot Frederic a derisive look. "We're in the 21st century, yet you cling to medieval traditions? Pathetic."

The room erupted in stifled laughter.

Frederic's face purpled with rage.

The group departed for Kingsley Manor, leaving chaos in their wake.