Chapter 119

Penelope Santiago's sobs echoed through the lavish bedroom as her mother, Mrs. Santiago, held her tightly. "It's just the Vanderbilts, darling," she murmured, stroking her daughter's hair. "Your father won't let them get away with this. But you need to eat something first."

The moment Penelope's tears subsided, the butler appeared at the door. "Madam, Evelyn Vanderbilt is here to see the young lady."

At the mention of that name, Penelope's face twisted in fury. "I don't want to see her! That witch ruined everything! It's all her fault!"

Mrs. Santiago's expression darkened. "After what she did to my daughter, she dares show her face here?"

The butler hesitated. "She claims she's here to talk. And... she's Nathan Goldmann's girlfriend."

Mrs. Santiago's breath hitched. 'The same woman Goldmann publicly claimed last night?'

Her mind raced. The Santiagos couldn't afford to cross the Goldmanns, but Penelope was broken—her reputation in tatters. Was this woman here to gloat?

She glanced at her distraught daughter and stood. "I'll handle this."

Evelyn Vanderbilt was led into the grand sitting room, where Mrs. Santiago waited, her posture rigid.

"My daughter is in this state because of your family," she spat. "And yet you have the audacity to come here? To humiliate us further?"

Evelyn remained composed. "Mrs. Santiago, I'm not here to mock your family. What happened last night wasn't my doing—I was the intended victim."

Mrs. Santiago scoffed. "My daughter is the one suffering, not you. Don't speak as if you understand."

Evelyn's voice turned icy. "If I had been the one on that news broadcast, would my mother not grieve for me? Though she's no longer here to do so."

The words struck a nerve. Mrs. Santiago fell silent.

Evelyn pulled out her phone. "Listen to this."

The recording played—Penelope's voice, clear as day, plotting with Vivian Vanderbilt.

Mrs. Santiago paled.

"I knew about their scheme," Evelyn continued. "I gave your daughter a chance to back out. Instead, she hired men to carry it out. If I hadn't escaped, I would be the one destroyed today. So tell me—is your daughter truly innocent?"

Mrs. Santiago's throat tightened.

This was her child. Her flesh and blood. Of course she was devastated.

But the truth was undeniable.

"The Santiagos are known for their integrity," Evelyn pressed. "Your daughter wouldn't have done this if she hadn't been manipulated."

A calculated compliment. If Mrs. Santiago still blames me, she’s admitting she can’t see reason.

And if she loved her daughter as much as she claimed—what would she do when she realized Penelope had been used?

Mrs. Santiago's voice was barely a whisper. "Who... who manipulated her?"