Claim
Inside the grand living room of the Blackwood estate, the faint clinking of porcelain cups filled the quiet. The scent of freshly steeped jasmine tea mingled with the crisp undertone of polished wood and old books-a timeless blend that spoke of tradition and quiet power.
At the center sat Eleanor Blackwood, the family’s formidable matriarch, her silver hair swept neatly into a chignon that defied her years. Even seated, she exuded the kind of quiet authority that could command a boardroom-or silence an entire dinner table with a single look. Across from her, Charles Blackwood lounged in his armchair, half-hidden behind a folded newspaper he’d long
since stopped reading.
Eleanor’s sharp gaze flicked toward the tall antique clock near the fireplace, its rhythmic ticking now an irritation rather than comfort.
Her fingers drummed once against her teacup before she spoke.
“They should have been here ten minutes ago,” she said crisply, though a note of anticipation slipped through her tone. “What’s taking them so long?”
Charles didn’t look up, though the corner of his mouth twitched in faint amusement. “They’re coming from the pier, my dear. Not everyone drives like you’re late for a royal summons.”
Eleanor shot him a look over the rim of her cup. “When one invites guests for tea, one should arrive
before the tea turns cold.”
“Ah,” he drawled, finally folding the newspaper with deliberate slowness. “So this isn’t about the tea, then. You’re just impatient to meet the girl.”
Her chin lifted ever so slightly. “Impatient implies a lack of composure.”
“Mm.” Charles’s eyes gleamed with mischief. “Then perhaps we’ll call it… curiosity?”
Eleanor’s lips curved, though she hid it quickly behind her cup. “She’s the Lockwood girl, Charles.
I’m entitled to a little curiosity. Her mother was remarkable.”
“Remarkable and stubborn,” he reminded her, leaning back with a soft chuckle. “If the daughter’s
anything like her, Damien will have his hands full.” He hesitated then, his tone softening as a hint of
worry crept into his expression. “But from what I’ve heard, she didn’t grow up living like a Lockwood. That poor girl’s been through far too much for someone her age.”
Eleanor stilled, her hand resting lightly on the rim of her cup. The faintest sigh escaped her. “That’s what worries me,” she admitted quietly. “She’s walking into a world she was never raised for. The
expectations, the name, the attention that comes with it… What if it’s too much for her?”
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Chapter 151 Meeting the Matriarchs 1
Claim
Charles regarded her thoughtfully. “Or what if she surprises us? The Lockwood blood runs strong, you know that.”
“Blood is one thing,” Eleanor countered, her voice turning pensive. “But this family-our world-it isn’t kind. It takes strength to stand beside a Blackwood, especially that one.” Her lips pressed into a thin line. “Damien can be… intense.”
Charles chuckled softly. “That’s one word for it.”
She ignored him, lost in thought now. “What if she doesn’t want any of this? The power, the attention, the weight of the name? What if she’s not strong enough to handle him… or this family?”
Charles set his teacup down and leaned forward, his expression softening into something warm- almost proud. “Then we’ll help her,” he said simply. “We’ll guide her, stand by her, and make sure
she never feels alone in this.” His gaze met Eleanor’s, steady and sure. “And above all, we trust our
grandson’s judgment. Damien wouldn’t cross lines without reason. He’s many things, but reckless -especially in matters of the heart? Never.”
Eleanor sighed, but a faint smile tugged at her lips. “You have too much faith in him.”
“And you have too much fear in her,” Charles countered gently.
For a moment, silence settled between them-comfortable, thoughtful, filled with years of shared
understanding. Then Charles’s eyes gleamed with quiet mischief. “Admit it, darling. You’re excited.”
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Cedella
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.