Chapter 296

Victor Blackwood's lips curled into a mocking smile. "Deny it until you're blue in the face, Richard, but science doesn't lie. The DNA results are irrefutable."

Richard Winslow staggered back as if physically struck, memories of Liam Blackwood's warnings flooding his mind.

Despite the earth-shattering revelation, Richard clung to his last shred of dignity. His words dripped with venom. "Even if you share Blackwood blood, you'll always be a gutter-born savage!"

The slap came faster than lightning. Miranda Graves moved with lethal grace, striking Richard across the face before delivering three precise kicks that sent him sprawling across the marble floor.

Looming over the fallen man, Miranda's steel-gray eyes burned with contempt. "In every measurable way, Mr. Victor Blackwood surpasses you, you insignificant worm."

Gripping his stinging cheek, Richard managed a sneer. "Who gave you the right to lay hands on me? You failed your mission to eliminate Olivia Sinclair when Victor agreed. Now that Olivia's been acknowledged by the prestigious Kensington family, you're all doomed. The Kensingtons eclipse the Blackwoods in power and influence."

At these words, Catherine Winslow's face turned ashen, her eyes flashing with bitter accusation at Miranda.

Consumed by guilt-fueled rage, Miranda struck again. "Shut your filthy mouth!" Each blow punctuated her fury.

"Enough, Miranda!" Victor's command cut through the air like a whip.

Miranda froze mid-swing, her arm trembling with restrained violence.

Victor approached Richard with the calculated grace of a panther circling wounded prey. His ice-blue eyes assessed every twitch of Richard's crumbling facade.

Richard, still defiant, spat threats about Blackwood Enterprises' loyalty and vowed retribution once he regained power.

Victor's laughter was cold as Arctic wind. "Know why I played along with your little games? To gather enough evidence to bury you." His smile turned predatory. "And thanks to your devoted wife, I now have enough to send you away for life - without even mentioning how you murdered your own mother."

Richard's bravado shattered. He whirled toward Catherine, his voice cracking with betrayal. "You told him everything? You realize if I fall, you go down with me?"

Catherine's jaw set like granite. "I'm prepared to pay that price. Victor has guaranteed my protection. I've chosen my side wisely."

Victor's laughter filled the opulent study once more. "See, Richard? Even your wife recognizes a sinking ship when she sees one."

Leaning down, Victor locked eyes with his half-brother, his voice dropping to a deadly whisper. "Here's your choice: help me secure the CEO position at Blackwood Enterprises, and I might let you keep your place in the family - as a useful public figurehead."

His next words came colder still. "Refuse, and I'll personally ensure you rot in prison. With Liam out of the picture, the Blackwood legacy will be mine regardless. The decision is yours, brother. Choose carefully."

Richard's fists clenched until his knuckles turned white. Humiliation burned through him as he gave the slightest nod of defeat.