Chapter 229

Nathaniel’s casual mention of his love life barely registered with the Beaumont family. They knew him—reckless, a gourmand, a womanizer. Morris had deliberately highlighted this image for Max and Byron. Byron’s face darkened; Max remained impassive. Peter’s jaw tightened. He glanced at William’s family, their barely concealed smiles fueling his anger. Peter, the de facto head of the family, already carried the weight of three children, two responsible, one—Nathaniel—a constant source of embarrassment. Nobody cared about Nathaniel's girlfriend. What kind of woman would be interested in him?

Diana was the exception. "Who is she?" she demanded of Morris. "Her name? What does she do?" Her only wish for Nathaniel was for him to settle down.

Peter scowled. "What kind of good woman would he like?" he snapped, wanting to drop the subject. Diana pressed him. Morris, eager to contribute, mumbled, "Met her horse riding in Lynford…can’t remember her name."

Byron snorted. "Any woman that bastard likes is trouble."

Peter felt his face burn. He suspected shady dealings at Lynford's riding clubs. What respectable woman would Nathaniel meet there? He shot a furious glare at his wife, silencing her.

Max, feeling like an outsider, finished his coffee. "Uncle, I'm leaving," he announced, nodding to Byron.

"Alright," Byron replied.

Everyone except Byron rose to see Max off. He was Peter's peer, deserving of respect. More importantly, the Monteras held significant political power. Dominick, head of the Vanderbilts, increasingly eclipsed the Beaumonts. He could banish Nathaniel with a phone call. The alliance with the Monteras was crucial.

Chapter 299

As Max drove away and the Beaumonts dispersed, Morris recalled something. "Paisley," he said. "That's Nathaniel's girlfriend's name."

Diana and Julia exchanged a look. They knew Paisley—an artist, and a prominent figure at the Crown & Culture charity auction.

"Mom, you know her?" Morris asked, noticing their expressions.

Julia nodded, omitting Paisley’s other identity as Nion. "Dominick's ex-wife," she revealed.

Morris understood. Dominick's desire for Nathaniel's departure made sense. He’d initially assumed a club altercation, but this was far more significant. "Of all the women…" he scoffed. "A married woman."

"Ex-wife," Diana corrected. "Divorced years ago. What does it matter?"

Julia scoffed. "She was married." She feared Diana would encourage Nathaniel to marry Paisley to bolster his standing.

Diana bristled. "Everyone has a past! Did you never date before marrying Morris?"

"Mom, it's different!" Julia protested.

"How?" Diana countered. "You're a woman! Such old-fashioned views?"

Julia was speechless. It wasn't old-fashioned; she simply didn't want such a powerful woman as an ally for Nathaniel.

Diana checked the time. "Let's go to the Ladies' Association," she said.

The Ladies' Association, a gathering of influential wives, served social and political purposes. Membership was exclusive, requiring a recommendation and majority approval.

Lauren arrived alone. Recent family troubles had kept her away. Her presence immediately drew attention.

"Where's Diana?" Lauren asked, scanning the room.

"Haven't seen her lately," a woman replied. "Something with the Beaumont family…"

The curious wives hoped Lauren would spill the family secrets.

Lauren and Diana, college rivals and matriarchs of powerful families, had a history of tension.

Lauren chuckled. "Her troublesome youngest son, that's all."

The mention of Nathaniel elicited knowing smiles. Everyone knew about Diana’s rebellious son.

"Oh, how lively! What's all the gossip?" Diana arrived late, Julia at her side.