Chapter 366

Lillian Prescott's face darkened with barely contained fury.

She rose abruptly and confronted her assistant. Her usually melodic voice carried an icy edge. "Explain yourself. Did you have any involvement in this incident? What exactly did you do to that cat to make it attack people?"

The assistant trembled visibly, tears welling in her eyes. "Ms. Prescott, I swear it wasn't me. You know I came straight to Blue Honors after your call. I've been by your side the whole evening... And when I used the restroom earlier, there wasn't any white cat there. Someone's setting me up..."

Lillian's expression turned disappointed. "We've worked together for years. You've always been diligent, but this one flaw of yours - your tendency to lie - is unacceptable. The surveillance footage clearly shows it was you. The woman in the video matches your build perfectly, wearing the exact same outfit you have on now. How can you still deny it?"

At the mention of clothing, the assistant's eyes widened in realization. She suddenly remembered how Lillian had unexpectedly gifted her this expensive ensemble earlier that evening.

Her hands shook as she whispered, "But Ms. Prescott, these clothes were-"

Lillian cut her off sharply. "If you confess and apologize to the injured Ms. Sinclair, I'm certain she'll forgive you. She's known for her kindness. And I'm sure Mr. Blackwood will show mercy too. Don't worry about your brother - I'll ensure his surgery proceeds smoothly. You can trust me."

Positioning herself so only her assistant could see her face, Lillian's expression shifted dramatically. The angelic image she projected to others vanished, replaced by a complex mix of pleading and veiled threats.

The assistant wasn't stupid - she'd managed Lillian's complex schedule and affairs for years. As she stared into Lillian's eyes, understanding dawned.

The light in her eyes dimmed, replaced by dull resignation.

Evelyn Sinclair observed this exchange quietly, noting the assistant's intense reaction and subsequent change in demeanor.

Suddenly, the assistant confessed. "It was me. I did it. I'm sorry for lying earlier. Ms. Sinclair, I apologize for your injuries. I'll accept whatever punishment you deem appropriate."

Evelyn frowned. "Why would you do this? And what exactly did you inject into that cat?"

"I've hated cats since childhood. When I arrived at Blue Honors tonight, that white cat nearly scratched my face. I wanted revenge, so I lured it to the bathroom and injected it with a substance that induces aggression. I thought if it attacked someone important, the cat would be disposed of. That's what happened tonight. I'm truly sorry..."

Tears streamed down the assistant's face as she delivered this plausible explanation, though Evelyn sensed something amiss.

Lillian addressed the crowd with practiced grace. "Mr. Blackwood, Ms. Sinclair, while her actions were unacceptable, she's been my loyal assistant for years. This was an isolated incident fueled by her irrational fear of cats. As her employer, I accept partial responsibility. I'll cover all damages to Blue Honors. Could you possibly show leniency? Her brother is critically ill and depends on her care..."

Her performance was flawless - the picture of a compassionate employer taking responsibility for her staff's mistakes.

Dominic Blackwood's gaze turned glacial. His voice held an unusual edge. "Since she's admitted guilt, we'll handle this legally. An adult who commits such reckless acts must face consequences. Evelyn didn't just suffer physical injuries tonight - she endured psychological trauma. I won't be merciful to whoever caused her distress."

His penetrating stare seemed to bore into Lillian, making her subtly uncomfortable. Though his words targeted the assistant, Lillian felt them as personal barbs.

"What exactly are you suggesting, Mr. Blackwood?" Lillian's fingers twitched at her sides.

Dominic didn't mince words. "Actions have consequences. She'll serve time to reflect on her poor judgment."

The assistant paled, casting desperate looks at Lillian. Jail would ruin her life and leave her brother without care.

Lillian hadn't anticipated Dominic's ruthlessness. Sending someone to prison over a cat scratch seemed excessive, even cruel.

Turning to Evelyn with pleading eyes, Lillian played her final card. "Ms. Sinclair, I know she was wrong, but her brother's life depends on her. Could we perhaps reconsider?"

Evelyn observed the assistant's pitiful state and relented, gently tugging Dominic's sleeve. "She's suffered enough. Let's just have her compensate Blue Honors' losses. This lesson will stay with her forever."

Dominic sighed inwardly at Evelyn's kindness. She failed to see this was never about punishing the assistant, but sending a message to the true mastermind.

Though he knew Lillian's involvement, her political connections prevented direct confrontation. "Preston," he addressed Preston Worthington, "handle this. Evelyn and I are leaving with the children."

Passing the matter to the notoriously ruthless Preston guaranteed Lillian would pay dearly.

As they departed with sleeping Alexander and Isabella, Reginald Blackwood extinguished his cigarette, his enigmatic gaze lingering on the "gentle goddess" Lillian.