Lucas couldn't allow her to get involved. This conflict was strictly between the Grant and Blackwood families. Dragging her into it was out of the question.
He massaged his aching temples, forcing his focus onto the documents scattered across his desk. A solution was needed immediately. He had to prevent his family's legacy from crumbling on his watch.
Meanwhile, at Grant Manor, the grand living room buzzed with activity. The rich scent of an elaborate meal filled the air. Eleanor Grant stood elegantly in the dining hall, her exquisite dress flowing as she directed the servants preparing the table.
Eleanor appeared far younger than her years, her figure impeccably maintained, her skin radiant. Today marked the return of her husband, William Grant, chairman of Grant Group, from his overseas trip. She had organized this lavish family dinner to celebrate his homecoming.
“Everything is prepared, Mrs. Grant. Do you require anything further?” a servant inquired with deference.
Eleanor gave a satisfied nod. “Excellent. Ensure the Kötl Free is cooked to perfection. It’s William’s favorite. The texture must be just right.”
“Understood, Mrs. Grant. We will see to it personally.”
She conducted a final, meticulous inspection of the table settings. Only when every detail met her exacting standards did she allow herself to relax.
Suddenly, hurried footsteps echoed through the spacious room.
“Aunt Eleanor! Aunt Eleanor!”
Her nephew, Daniel, rushed in, his face a mask of sheer panic. He worked at Grant Group and maintained a close relationship with Lucas.
“Daniel?” Eleanor questioned, her surprise evident. “What is it? Why are you so distressed?”
Gasping for air, Daniel blurted out, “Aunt Eleanor, it’s a disaster. Grant Group is facing a massive crisis.”
“What?” Eleanor paled, her silk handkerchief nearly slipping from her grasp. “What did you say? A crisis? How is that possible?” Her voice sharpened, trembling with rising fear.
“I… I don’t have all the details…” Daniel stammered, trying to collect himself. “My wife and I were at Zoe’s studio. You recall Zoe, the former chief designer at Apex Design Collective?”
Eleanor gestured for him to continue.
“We were finalizing details for some custom jewelry we’d ordered. While there, I accidentally overheard Zoe on a phone call. She mentioned Isabella… it seemed directly connected to our family…”
“Isabella?” The name echoed in Eleanor’s mind.
“Isabella Scott?” she exclaimed, her tone laced with disbelief.
“Yes! Precisely! That was the name.” Daniel confirmed, slapping his thigh for emphasis.
“Zoe indicated that because of Isabella, Grant Group is in serious trouble. She also mentioned Blackwood Enterprises is targeting us…”
“Blackwood Enterprises?” Eleanor’s face turned ashen. The name Ethan Blackwood was legendary in business circles—synonymous with ruthless, decisive strategy. If Blackwood Enterprises was indeed targeting them, the consequences were catastrophic. A violent shudder ran through her body.
“Where is Lucas? Does he know about this?” she demanded, her voice urgent.
“I don’t know,” Daniel admitted, his expression confused. “I came straight here after overhearing the call. Lucas hasn’t mentioned any company issues to me lately…”