All Chapters of Scarred Hearts: A Mafia Billionaire Romance : Chapter 251 - Chapter 260

The Blackwood mansion looked celebratory that night lit by chandeliers and gold-trimmed details casting a shine meant to convince onlookers that everything was fine but Samuel had arranged a dinner not for pleasure instead He wanted the company not for enjoyment but to have others see him as composed and commanding and Preserving appearances was the tactic he still knew how to handle. The long dining table was flawlessly set: shining cutlery, dazzling crystal glasses and plates shinier than automobiles, Prominent figures, from the city were present since curiosity often outweighed caution. If the Blackwoods were causing unrest everyone wanted to hear the story. Samuel sat at the head of the table positioned stiffly, a bourbon within easy but subtle access. From a distance he seemed composed and serene. Close up the faint quiver in his hand revealed the truth, behind the mask. “To constancy " he said, lifting the glass. "The Blackwoods never surrender.” Polite applause followed—sh

The Blackwood dining hall had never appeared more, like a sanctuary.The chandeliers shone intensely.The candles cast extended, flickering shadows.The silver. Buffed almost to perfection. Shone, like a caution.Samuel was adamant, about the display.He desired a banquet, a demonstration of power a signal, to the citys upper class that the Blackwood crown remained securely on his brow. He had requested the wines, the richest meats, the most exotic fare. Servants hurried about him frightened of dropping anything afraid to make a sound.Samuel straightened his cuffs for the time.“They’ll realize we remain intact " he whispered.However his gaze continually flickered toward the doors as though anticipating a spirit to appear.---The Guests: Jackals in SilkThey showed up wearing assurance and hidden blades.Bankers, financiers, aristocrats, with lips resembling dried fruit; ladies draped in high fashion and mysteries. They beamed, kissed Samuel’s cheeks remarked on the "array.Their e

The Blackwood family home ceased to exist as a being.It was the case at a time when habit stood in for loyalty and dread was mistaken for control. Now the cadence faltered. Each chamber had its pulse, its distinct strain. The machinery of the empire continued to move. They grinded noisily metal clashing, against metal.The tension, in the atmosphere was palpable.---VivianVivian faced her mirror combing her hair with rhythmic motions that were less about appearance and more, about maintaining control.Her image remained composed. Serene jaw, gaze, the slightest raise of her eyebrow. The look she bore when she declined to be unsettled.She replayed Samuel’s outburst from that day: the broken glass, the eruption of fury the way his voice broke on the word "betrayal." For the time ever her father appeared… diminished. Not necessarily fragile,. Diminished, like a painting faded from prolonged exposure, to sunlight.“You’re faltering " she whispered to her mirrored image.Not mocking. N

The mansion seemed chillier than normal but It wasn’t due, to the climate. Rather it was how the atmosphere held words like ice forming on a windowpane.During breakfast the family assembled around the mahogany table. Silverware sparkled, remaining unused. Samuel occupied the head seat sitting stiffly his eyes darkened. His daughters, his son and even Eleanor. Each moved uneasily like performers stuck in a drama missing its script."Eat " Samuel snapped, poking his fork into his food. Nobody stirred.Vivian was the first to break the quiet. "Father there’s talk, among the people.”Samuel’s blade struck the porcelain with a clink. "Who ? Give names.”“In the city " Vivian went on evenly disregarding his scowl. "Bankers. Executives. They mention papers. Transactions. That a different name appears where yours ought to be.”A deeper than stone settled around the table. Harrison’s grip, on his glass grew firm. Eleanor’s mouth opened slightly. No noise emerged. Nathaniel fixed his gaze on h

The ballroom lit by chandeliers shone like a temple of crystal and gold, The Blackwood fortune had long prospered on grandeur. This evening Samuel ordered his children to remain beside him. United and invincible.Visitors streamed in: bankers, magistrates, lawmakers, individuals who had formerly shuddered when Samuel addressed the room. Their chuckles sounded loud their grins overly deliberate. Underneath the silk and sparkling wine gossip slithered like a snake.“Did you catch that?" a banker whispered from, behind his glass. "Apparently a transfer has been submitted.”“To a lady " someone else murmured.“A wife. Or was it a maid?”They laughed nervously. No one mentioned the name aloud. Everyone sensed it lingering in the atmosphere.---Samuel positioned himself in the middle standing upright with a stare. His hand lay on Eleanor’s arm. The pressure revealed the shake he concealed from everyone present.“Grin " he spat between jaws. "Grin, damn it. Show them Blackwoods remain ruler