Edward turned to his wife. "I think we have a problem."
Seraphina's jaw tightened. "What is it?"
"Chairman Blackwood refused to substitute Evelyn for Celeste."
The words landed like a bombshell. Seraphina froze for a moment, struggling to process them.
"Why?" she demanded.
Edward shook his head. "I don't know. His reply was really vague, and he didn't even let me speak further before dismissing me."
A crease formed on his forehead as he replayed the moment. The cold dismissal at the Blackwood mansion still sat heavily in his chest. He felt like he had been treated with contempt for no reason at all.
"What exactly did he say?" Seraphina pressed.
"He said that the proposal wasn't for Celeste—it was for Evelyn." Edward's voice lowered slightly. "And that he is not a man who changes hi
