Chapter 197

Evelyn took a steadying breath, forcing herself to remain composed. The last thing she wanted was to cause a scene in front of all these high-society guests.

"Mr. Goldmann, if there's any misunderstanding, we can discuss it privately—"

Nathan cut her off sharply. "Mrs. Laurent, are you implying you refuse to acknowledge your mistake?"

Evelyn's grip on her wine glass tightened until her knuckles turned white.

'Why am I doubting myself? The resemblance is undeniable.'

'That face... it's like looking at Miranda all over again.'

'I should have realized sooner. How could I have been so blind?'

'All this time searching for Miranda in Vivian, yet finding nothing. That DNA test she showed me... I should have questioned it more thoroughly.'

Vivian was panicking. Seeing Evelyn's hesitation, she suddenly lunged forward and grabbed Zoe's hand, tears streaming down her pale cheeks. "Zoe, I surrender! I won't interfere with your relationship with Nathan anymore. Just... please convince him to stop this madness—"

Her performance was calculated - playing the victim to manipulate the crowd's sympathy and shift all blame onto Zoe.

Zoe's brilliant eyes darkened. She'd only come tonight to observe the unfolding drama, not to participate. Yet Vivian had dragged her center stage.

"The scandal of the season!"

"Homewrecking gold digger - how repulsive."

"Look at that vixen clinging to Mr. Goldmann. Probably stole him right from his fiancée's arms."

Sophia violently wrenched Vivian's hand away as the whispers grew louder. "Enough of your lies!"

"Ah!" Vivian deliberately stumbled backward, collapsing dramatically onto the floor.

The picture of vulnerability, Vivian knew exactly how to play her audience.

"Vivian, stop your pathetic acting—" Sophia moved to grab her, but Lucas blocked her path.

Sophia opened her mouth to protest, but Zoe pulled her back.

Zoe's gaze locked onto Vivian's face, her expression unreadable. "I intended to spare the Laurents embarrassment tonight. But since you insist on making me part of your spectacle, I'll play along."

Slowly, she withdrew the repaired bracelet Vivian had destroyed weeks ago.

"If you covet the de Armas heiress title so desperately, perhaps I should let you have it."

"Zoe, what nonsense is this? That bracelet is mine! How did you—"

When Vivian saw the family heirloom in Zoe's hand, a flicker of panic crossed her eyes. But she quickly regained composure - certain the Laurents would back her tonight. What proof could Zoe possibly have?

'That DNA test with Lucas is irrefutable. Everything she says is baseless!'

'I'll make sure everyone knows Zoe Vanderbilt not only stole my fiancé but now tries to steal my identity!'

Nathan watched with cold intensity, though he trusted Zoe completely. Even if she burned this entire banquet hall to the ground tonight, no one would dare challenge her with him standing guard.

Zoe examined the bracelet with amusement. "A gift from Father, naturally. Shall we call him here to verify?"

Vivian's face darkened. "Zoe, stop twisting things! Even if Father comes, he'll side with you. We all know he favors you over his illegitimate daughter—"