Chapter Fifty-Seven: The Stand

The grand ballroom of the Kensington estate was still buzzing with excitement. The soft clink of champagne glasses and the murmur of congratulatory words echoed throughout the space as guests mingled, admiring the success of the launch party for Blackwood Enterprises, Theo’s new venture. The company had quickly become the talk of the town, a beacon of innovation and success. And tonight, all the hard work, all the late nights, and the sacrifices had finally come to fruition.

As the evening continued, Theo and Eleanor stood side by side, their hands clasped together, their eyes scanning the room full of well-wishers and influential figures who had come to celebrate the success of Blackwood Enterprises. The event was everything they had hoped for—a perfect blend of elegance, power, and the promise of an even brighter future. It was everything Theo had dreamed of when he first envisioned the company.

Yet, as Eleanor surveyed the room, something caught her eye. In the corner of the ballroom stood the Duke and Duchess of Islington, along with Adrian and Nicholas, the Blackwood brothers. They were in a cluster, huddled together, their faces tense, their expressions far from proud. They weren’t smiling, didn’t look even the least bit celebratory.

In fact, the tension radiating from them was palpable, like an invisible cloud that hovered above them, threatening to burst at any moment. It was clear to Eleanor and Theo that they were far from pleased with the success they were witnessing.

Theo’s jaw tightened as his gaze fell upon his parents and brothers. He’d known there would be resistance, but seeing it in the flesh—seeing them stand there, seemingly indifferent to his success—struck a nerve. He had worked so hard, poured his heart and soul into this venture. To have them so openly disregard it, to dismiss him so coldly, made him feel as though all of his accomplishments meant nothing to them.

Eleanor could sense the change in Theo’s demeanor, the way his body stiffened at the sight of his family. She squeezed his hand, offering him a reassuring smile. She knew how much this meant to him—how much it hurt to see his family, especially his parents, act as though his success was something to be ashamed of.

“Let’s go speak with them,” Eleanor said, her voice calm but firm. “They’re not going to ignore this. Not after everything you’ve done.”

Theo shot her a look, his lips curling into a wry smile. “Are you sure? I’m not sure I’m in the mood to play nice with them tonight.”

Eleanor’s eyes sparkled with a playful challenge. “Who said anything about playing nice? We’ve earned this night, Theo. We’ve built this empire together. If they want to act like spoiled children, then let them. But we’re not backing down.”

With a nod, Theo took a deep breath and steered them both toward the small group in the corner. As they approached, Eleanor could feel the air shift—tension thickening around them like a heavy blanket. Adrian and Nicholas didn’t even bother to acknowledge their presence at first, and the Duke and Duchess barely turned their heads as they stood with arms crossed.

The silence between them was heavy and uncomfortable, but Eleanor wasn’t about to let it go on any longer.

“Well, well,” she began, her tone smooth, but with an edge that caught their attention. “Is this the proud family of Theo Blackwood? Or are we simply standing here in the corner, waiting for something to happen?”

The Duke of Islington, his face set in a tight, displeased frown, glanced at her coldly. “What are you doing here, Eleanor?” His voice was low, almost like a reprimand. “We thought you would be preoccupied with your... husband’s little success tonight.”

Eleanor smiled sweetly, her eyes glinting with amusement. “I’m sorry, Your Grace, but I’m not sure I understand. Do you think my presence here is some sort of inconvenience? My husband and I have worked hard for this moment, and if that bothers you, well...” She trailed off, letting the words hang in the air, daring them to respond.

Theo, his hand still holding hers firmly, couldn’t suppress a knowing smirk. He stepped forward, the edge of his voice sharp and clear. “What’s the matter, Father? You can’t even be proud of your son anymore?” he asked, his voice low but cutting. “Did you expect me to stay under your thumb forever? To bow to your outdated ideals?”

Nicholas, always the more brash of the brothers, crossed his arms, eyeing them both with disdain. “You think this is impressive? You really think that this business venture is going to save you? You’re nothing but a small fish in a much larger pond. Blackwood Enterprises is just a fleeting success, Theo. You’ll see.”

Theo’s eyes narrowed, his jaw tightening. “You’re right about one thing, Nicholas,” he said, his tone cold. “It is just a beginning. And when it surpasses your wildest dreams, don’t come crying to me when you’re still stuck in the past.”

The Duke of Islington stepped forward, his face red with barely contained anger. “You’re a fool, Theo. All this... this,” he motioned toward the grand ballroom, “is nothing compared to the legacy the Blackwood name once held. You’ve thrown it all away for your own self-indulgence.”

Eleanor didn’t hesitate. She stepped in front of Theo, her posture poised, but her voice sharp. “If the Blackwood name means so much to you, Your Grace, then maybe you should think about why you haven’t kept up with the times. Look at you all—still clinging to old ideals and outdated traditions. It’s no wonder Theo decided to break free.” She paused for a moment, letting her words sink in. “The Blackwoods don’t need to be bound by the past. We’re moving forward, whether you like it or not.”

The Duchess of Islington, who had been silent up until now, opened her mouth to say something, but Theo’s voice cut her off.

“Save it, Mother,” Theo said, his tone calm but commanding. “You’re not going to guilt me into being the person you wanted me to be. I’ve made my choice, and I’m proud of it.” He paused, looking directly at his parents and brothers. “I built this empire for myself. For my family. Not for the Blackwood name, not for any legacy—but for the future.”

The silence in the room grew heavy, and for a long moment, no one spoke. Adrian, Nicholas, and their parents stood frozen, their faces flushed with anger, but also with the faintest hint of realization.

Eleanor smiled, her eyes meeting Theo’s. “So, shall we head back to the celebration?” she asked, her voice light, as though the tension had never existed.

Theo grinned, his eyes softening as he looked at her. “After you, my love.”

As they turned to walk away, Eleanor could hear Adrian muttering under his breath, but she didn’t turn back. Theo and Eleanor had long since stopped caring about the opinions of the Blackwoods who still clung to their outdated ways. They had built their own future, and that future was brighter than anything their families had ever imagined.

As they walked hand-in-hand back toward the festivities, Eleanor couldn’t help but feel a sense of triumph. The world was changing, and with it, the Blackwood family. They were finally taking control of their own destinies. And nothing—nothing—could stop them now.