One Night Stand With Alexander Blackwood-Chapter 25 — Twenty-five

The hallway fell into a suffocating silence as the old man stepped forward. Despite leaning on his attendant, his presence alone commanded more authority than anyone else in the building.

His cold observant eyes swept the scene with a single look that made even the boldest employee avert their gaze.

"Grandfather." 𝑓𝘳𝑒𝑒𝓌𝘦𝘣𝘯ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝑚

A look of realization dawned on everyone. So this was the famous Elias Blackwood — chairman of Blackwood Industries.

Alexander stepped forward, but Amelia was faster than he was. She rushed over to Elias, pushing the attendant away and holding the old man’s arms with a pitiful smile.

Maya scoffed and walked over to Serena. "She’s really hateful."

"You slapped her continuously, why?"

Before Maya could answer, Amelia’s pitiful cries rang out.

"Grandfather." She started, her voice high-pitched. "You have to seek justice for me."

"Take a look at my face." She dramatically gestured to her face which was swollen. "Alexander’s employees are vicious, and they hit me for no reason."

Maya snorted, rolled her eyes and folded her arms. "I’ve had enough of her victim mentality." She leaned in and whispered to Serena.

"You did slap her." Serena replied quietly.

"I’ll do so again if given the chance again."

Their mini conversation was cut off with Elias’s genuine confused words.

"Young lady... do I know you?"

Amelia slowly let go of Elias as disbelief flickered in her eyes. Meanwhile, the hallway erupted in murmurs. The engagement news was announced yesterday... how come Elias Blackwood didn’t know who Amelia was.

"G-grandfather... I am Alexander’s fiancée." She stammered as she struggled to explain herself. "This was announced yesterday."

A look of understanding dawned on the old man. "Is that so?"

Amelia, thinking she had won the old man, nodded repeatedly. "Yes, Grandfather. Today, I decided to visit Alexander but his employees engaged in acts of violence. You have to stand up for me."

Elias held his chin as his eyes swept over every employee who shivered as they lowered their gaze. His gaze finally landed on Maya who swallowed.

"Hey girl, would you care to tell me what happened?" He asked gently. "I doubt that what this woman is saying is the truth."

Amelia’s face changed as she tugged on Elias’s arm. "Grandfather." She whined, pouting her lips but the old man didn’t give her face as he urged Maya to explain.

"Sir, your future granddaughter-in-law insulted my friend..." She gestured to Serena with a calm smile. "...by calling her a sl*t. I couldn’t stand back and do nothing."

Serena’s eyes widened. ’So that’s what happened.’ she thought to herself.

Elias turned to Amelia, then questioned. "Is this true?"

"So what if it’s true? Grandfather, you have no idea. But that girl is seducing your grandson and my fiancée." She stomped her feet dramatically.

Alexander pinched the space in between his brows, impatience coursing through him.

"Alright, that’s enough." He cut in, exhaustion written all over his face. "If you hadn’t insulted Serena, then all of these wouldn’t have happened."

"One last thing. I already told you that we won’t get engaged. How hard is that to understand?"

His eyes drifted to Serena who looked away while pursing her lips, watching everything unfold.

"But your mother... the agreement between the Chase and the Blackwoods. You can’t go back on your words."

"Grandfather, tell—"

"So that’s how it is." Elias murmured thoughtfully, interrupting her. "My daughter-in-law thinks she has every right to arrange my grandson’s marriage."

"Uh?" Confusion, disbelief flashed through her eyes. She suddenly had a bad feeling. "What do you mean?"

"I don’t acknowledge you as my grandson’s fiancée. How could my grandson get married to someone who curses another person?"

Amelia’s face blanched as she stuttered. "Grandfather... how can you say that?"

Her voice shook, rising with desperation. She looked around, expecting someone—Alexander—to defend her. But all she met were lowered eyes and stifled amusement. Even the employees she had insulted refused to look her way.

Elias did not blink. His eyes, sharp despite his age, were unwavering. "If you consider yourself worthy of my grandson, then your behavior should reflect dignity. Not vulgarity which unfortunately is what you’re displaying."

Maya pressed her lips together to suppress a grin. Serena shifted uncomfortably, not wanting the situation to escalate further, but it already had.

"But I was provoked!" Amelia suddenly yelled, hysteria creeping into her tone. "That girl—" she thrust a shaking finger at Serena "—she’s seducing Alexander! He is my fiancé. I only defended myself!"

Serena flinched, feeling startled. Alexander’s jaw tightened.

Elias tilted his head, studying Amelia with cool detachment.

"Are you implying my grandson is so weak-minded that any random woman can ’seduce’ him? Or are you accusing him of being unfaithful despite the fact that he, not you, made it clear there was no engagement?"

Alexander silently exhaled in frustration. At least, someone understood him and was on his side.

"N-no! That’s not what I meant. I’m just—"

"You are just making excuses," Elias cut in sharply. Despite his old age, his presence was commanding.

The hallway stilled.

The old man lifted one hand, dismissing her tears entirely. "If this is the character you show in public, then what do you expect me to believe about your character in private?" His cold stare bore into her.

"You slapped no one, yet you were slapped. You yelled, yet you claim you were bullied. You insulted, yet you stand seeking justice."

Amelia’s lips trembled, but she tried again. She couldn’t afford to be on the losing end. "But Alexander’s mother—Lady Grace—she told me... she said the marriage—"

"And Grace," Elias started, voice dangerously low, "has forgotten her place."

Everyone stiffened. Even Alexander looked up sharply.

"My daughter-in-law," Elias continued, "has always been... ambitious."

"But to fabricate an engagement? To use the Blackwood name without my consent? To meddle in Alexander’s personal life?" A dark scowl washed over his features. "I will address her myself."

Amelia’s knees nearly buckled. She instinctively reached for Elias’ arm again, but he stepped back, refusing her touch.

"Grandfather, please... Lady Grace only wanted the best for the family," she whispered desperately. "She said the merger between our families would elevate—"

"Enough."