Chapter 114

After finalizing her plans, Penelope deliberately sought out Vivian to share the news. She then gathered a team to hunt down Evelyn.

"I can't wait to see Evelyn Vanderbilt become the laughingstock of high society when we find her," Vivian sneered, barely containing her excitement.

"After tonight, Evelyn will be completely ruined! What does it matter if her children are Nathan's? The Goldmann family would never accept such a disgraceful woman!"

Evelyn followed the bartender to the private lounge where Penelope waited with false sincerity.

As the bartender exited, Penelope rose with practiced grace. "Ms. Vanderbilt, I must apologize for earlier. I requested this meeting to make amends properly. Can you find it in your heart to forgive me?"

She grasped Evelyn's hands with theatrical remorse.

'Her performance is almost convincing,' Evelyn thought. 'If I didn't know better, I might actually believe her.'

Evelyn withdrew her hands slowly, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "Ms. Santiago, is this apology truly genuine?"

"O-Of course it is!" Penelope's voice wavered slightly, her eyes darting away for a fraction of a second. "I admit my behavior was unacceptable. Please, accept my sincere apology."

"Here's the problem, Ms. Santiago," Evelyn said, twisting the serpent ring on her finger absently. "You never intended to apologize, did you?"

Penelope's mask slipped momentarily. "What nonsense! I'm here specifically to make amends!"

"Then I'll give you one final chance," Evelyn's gaze turned glacial. "What exactly do you want from me?"

Penelope's breath hitched.

'She couldn't possibly know... could she?'

'No, I can't let this opportunity slip away. If this fails, I'll be the laughingstock of Cornelia's elite circles!'

"If you have nothing else to say, I'll take my leave." Evelyn turned toward the door.

"Do you really think you can walk away?" Penelope suddenly shrieked, grabbing Evelyn's arm. "Now!"

Several muscular men emerged from a hidden side room, surrounding them.

Evelyn's expression darkened. "Ms. Santiago, are you absolutely certain about this path?"

"What does it matter? No one's coming to save you tonight," Penelope spat, shoving Evelyn toward the men. "You thought being Nathan Goldmann's plaything made you special? Let me show you what happens when you cross me!"

One thug pressed a chloroform-soaked cloth against Evelyn's face. She struggled briefly before going limp.

Penelope loomed over Evelyn's unconscious form. "After tonight, you'll be nothing." She turned to the men with a cruel smile. "Gentlemen, enjoy your prize."

The men leered eagerly. "Yes, ma'am!"

'$80,000 to defile this beauty? Best paycheck ever,' one thought greedily.

As Penelope stepped outside, a shadowy figure struck her temple. She collapsed without a sound.

The men spun around at the noise, finding a black-clad man with neck tattoos dragging Penelope's unconscious body back inside.

The intruder calmly drew a pistol. "Don't move."

Simultaneously, Evelyn - now very much awake - pressed her serpent ring's hidden blade against the nearest thug's throat. "Cooperate if you value your lives."

Caught between gunpoint and cold steel, the men raised their hands in surrender. "W-We were just hired help! We don't know anything!"