Chapter 126
To Madam Victoria, benefits always came first.
The men would inherit the family business, and the women would marry into power and status to strengthen the family's influence.
That was why she would protect Vivian—because she had value.
Richard clenched his fists.
"Mother, isn't Evelyn your granddaughter too?"
"Evelyn?" Madam Victoria's temper flared.
"She's just like her mother—always an outsider in this family. Why should I rely on her?"
"Didn't you marry Isabella because of her capabilities? Your position in Bassburgh was secured because of her, but did she ever respect me? She was immoral, pining for another man while married to you. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree."
"Enough!" Richard's sudden outburst silenced the room.
Even Madam Victoria stared at him, shocked. Her son had never raised his voice at her before.
"You have no right to speak about Isabella like that."
With that, Richard stormed upstairs.
Laura, still clutching her stinging cheek, paled as she watched Richard defend Isabella even years after her death.
He hadn't let go.
That was why he wanted to revise his will.
He was clearly planning to leave Viana to Evelyn.
No. She wouldn't let that wretched girl take anything from her.
"Mother, we need to talk..."
Laura turned to Madam Victoria, knowing she would never agree to hand Viana over to Evelyn.
When Penelope's confession video went viral, public sympathy shifted dramatically.
From her crude behavior to being manipulated, and with testimonies from those involved, all evidence pointed to one culprit—Vivian.
Even Bassburgh Daily issued a statement supporting Penelope, indirectly condemning Vivian's actions and calling for her removal as a renowned jewelry designer.
The backlash was devastating for Viana.
Clients who had pre-ordered pieces demanded refunds to distance themselves from the scandal.
Vivian's rising fame had barely begun before she became the most despised figure in the city.
The Vanderbilts would not take this lightly.
"I didn’t expect Mrs. Santiago to convince Penelope to come forward. This might be the final nail in Vivian’s coffin."
Unless Vivian could produce proof.
Evelyn leaned back in her chair.
"Mrs. Santiago wants to clear her daughter’s name, and I have evidence of her collusion with Vivian. Of course, she’d choose to help me."
As for Vivian...
She probably never expected to be outmaneuvered.
If she was smart, she’d stay silent and wait for the storm to pass.
But if she retaliated against Penelope, she’d earn the Santiagos' wrath.
She had no proof.
The public would only see her as desperate.
However, Evelyn didn’t anticipate Vivian’s Twitter being suspended.
Clearly, Mrs. Santiago’s doing.
Then, her phone rang.
Laura.
Was this about Vivian?