Chapter 291

The crowd buzzed with excitement, their whispers urging Winifred to accept the wager. Winifred's face drained of color as she studied Evelyn's unwavering confidence.

Why wasn't this bitch afraid?

What if she lost everything?

"Winifred," Evelyn taunted, her lips curling into a predatory smile, "I thought you believed in Rosalind? Or are you too cowardly to prove it?"

"Who said I'm scared?" Winifred snapped, her nails digging into her palms. "You'll be kneeling before me soon enough, Evelyn!"

She had to trust Rosalind. There was no way her ally would betray her now.

With trembling fingers, Winifred dialed Rosalind's number, putting the call on speakerphone. The moment Rosalind answered, Winifred blurted out, "Rosalind, tell everyone you're Mr. Goldmann's woman! Now!"

A heavy silence followed. Then Rosalind's icy voice crackled through the speaker: "What nonsense are you spouting, Winifred?"

Before Winifred could respond, Evelyn snatched the phone. "Rosalind darling," she purred, "care to clarify your relationship with Nathan Goldmann?"

The line went dead silent. Rosalind's breath hitched audibly before she hissed, "Winifred, you imbecile!"

"Say something!" Winifred shrieked, desperation clawing at her throat.

Rosalind's reply came like a guillotine's drop: "I never claimed to be involved with Mr. Goldmann. Stop spreading lies." The call ended with a final click.

Back in her apartment, Rosalind hurled her phone against the wall. "That stupid, useless girl!"

Winifred stood frozen as the crowd's murmurs turned to laughter. The truth was undeniable now - she'd been exposed as a liar.

Evelyn gripped Winifred's chin, forcing their eyes to meet. "Congratulations," she whispered, her voice dripping with venom. "You've just lost your only ally. And changed my opinion about Rosalind's intelligence."

The recording in Evelyn's pocket felt heavier than ever. Winifred had played right into her hands.

"I-I'm sorry!" Winifred stammered, her bravado crumbling. "Please, I'll never spread rumors again!"

Evelyn's laugh was colder than winter wind. "Too late for apologies, darling."

The crowd gasped as realization dawned. Winifred had orchestrated everything - the restricted area incident, even pairing Evelyn with Lillian in the assessment.

All her schemes unraveled in one spectacular downfall.