Chapter 109

Crash!

The elegant gala descended into chaos.

"Zoe!"

Gregory immediately rushed forward to catch her, but Evelyn had already knocked over the crystal wine glasses and champagne bottles. Her ivory gown was now stained crimson, and shards of broken glass left thin cuts along her delicate arm.

All eyes turned to Penelope.

Penelope stood frozen, her face ghostly pale. "No... I didn't... I barely touched her!"

Her push had been feather-light!

"Zoe, you're bleeding!" Gregory examined her arm with growing panic.

Vivian barely concealed her smirk.

Though the fall wasn't serious, causing such a scene would surely get Evelyn thrown out.

"I'm fine, Uncle Gregory." Evelyn rose gracefully despite her disheveled appearance. Her cool gaze locked onto Penelope's ashen face.

"Ms. Santiago, I was merely offering advice. I never expected such a violent reaction. La Pe's reputation has certainly... diminished in my eyes."

"You planned this!" Penelope snapped out of her daze, finger trembling as she pointed accusingly. "That was barely a nudge! You're setting me up!"

Setting her up?

Evelyn couldn't deny she'd exaggerated the fall. But sometimes, dramatic lessons were the most effective.

Security arrived swiftly. Seeing them, Penelope shrieked, "She's causing a disturbance! Look at this mess! Remove her immediately!"

The guards hesitated, recognizing the Santiago heiress. Not wanting to offend powerful guests, they moved toward Evelyn.

Vivian nearly vibrated with excitement. Perfect! Public humiliation would destroy Evelyn's social standing forever.

"You have no authority to remove me." Evelyn produced a black embossed invitation just as the guards approached.

They froze mid-step.

Penelope's face twisted. "Impossible! How did you—" Even she couldn't obtain black-level invitations. Who was this woman?

"Would you like to verify its authenticity?" Evelyn's voice dripped ice.

The arriving PR manager cleared his throat. "May I see your invitation and identification, madam?"

When Evelyn remained motionless, Penelope crowed triumphantly. "See? She can't produce it! That invitation's stolen!"

"Madam, without proper verification, we must ask you to—"

"I'd like to see you try."

Nathan emerged from the crowd like a panther stalking into spotlight. His tailored suit accentuated his powerful frame, amber eyes glinting with dangerous frost. The press of his lips betrayed barely contained fury.

"Mr. Goldmann?" Murmurs rippled through the crowd. "Why is he here?"

The atmosphere crackled with sudden tension as the billionaire positioned himself protectively beside Evelyn, his presence rewriting the entire power dynamic in the room.