Chapter 354

Evelyn immediately spotted Miranda.

She tightened her grip on Maxwell's arm and let out an audible huff. "That woman again? What rotten luck!"

Not only had her plan to frame Evelyn at the boutique backfired, but she'd also lost a diamond necklace worth nearly a million dollars. The scolding from her brother and reduced allowance still stung.

Miranda had been fuming about it for weeks.

Evelyn wasn't thrilled to see the spoiled heiress either. She was about to steer the children away when Alexander suddenly perked up.

His eyes sparkled with mischief as he tugged Evelyn's sleeve. "Mommy, I know that lady..."

Evelyn blinked in surprise. How could her son recognize Miranda?

"Where have you seen her, sweetheart?"

Miranda frowned, scanning her memory for any recollection of the adorable boy.

"Remember the storybook Daddy gave me for my birthday? She looks just like the wicked witch!" Alexander declared loudly before adding, "I'd ask for your autograph, but that character's the worst!"

The crowd erupted in laughter.

Such cutting words from such a cherubic face!

Evelyn realized her son was teasing Miranda. While the woman wasn't beautiful, she hardly resembled any storybook witch.

Did Alexander inherit Dominic's sharp tongue?

Evelyn shot Dominic a look. He met her gaze with an innocent shrug, as if to say their son's wit wasn't his doing.

Miranda's face flushed crimson. She pointed a shaking finger at Alexander. "You little brat! Who taught you to speak like that?"

In her rage, she lunged forward, forgetting Dominic's presence entirely. Maxwell yanked her back just in time.

One wrong move toward Dominic's heir, and Miranda's family would be bankrupt by morning. The Blackwoods' retaliation would be swift and merciless.

Dominic's gaze turned glacial. The club manager arrived just in time to witness the scene.

This foolish girl has a death wish.

"Unhand me, Maxwell! That thief stole my necklace!" Miranda shrieked, ignoring the tension.

The manager stepped forward. "Miss, I suggest you leave. You're insulting my guests and making baseless accusations."

"Stay out of this!" Miranda snapped, though the manager's imposing stature made her falter.

Maxwell dragged her aside. "Are you trying to get yourself killed?"

Miranda misinterpreted his concern as lingering feelings for Evelyn. Seeing Evelyn's pitying look and Maxwell's protective stance sent her into a frenzy.

"So this is why you betray your own family!" she spat. "That thief stole my necklace worth 900,000 dollars! Yancy saw it too!"

Yancy, Miranda's muscular friend, nodded confirmation. The crowd murmured, casting suspicious glances at Evelyn.

Before Evelyn could respond, a sharp slap echoed through the club.

"Enough!" Maxwell roared. "Evelyn would never steal!"

He knew her character better than that. Evelyn had too much pride for petty theft.

Miranda clutched her stinging cheek in disbelief. "You hit me... for that thief?"