Chapter 179

Isabella felt the last thread of connection snap.

Eleanor’s trust was gone.

“You won’t even let me explain? You’ve already decided it was me?” Her voice trembled with raw hurt.

The memory of their recent understanding hung between them, fragile and already broken.

“Explain what, Isabella? I saw everything. What could you possibly say?” Eleanor’s words were sharp, laced with disappointment.

“You think I’d be that stupid? If I wanted revenge, I have enough evidence to ruin her forever. Pushing her into a pool? That’s beneath me.” Isabella’s laugh was cold and hollow.

Her gaze swept over Victoria, icy and furious.

She turned away without another word.

She walked back to the shaded bench, alone once more.

Whispers started among the crew.

“Isabella wouldn’t do that. It doesn’t make sense.”

“What would she gain? It’s too messy. Too public.”

“Don’t be naive. People hide their true selves well.”

“Remember how Victoria defended her before? It feels like an act now.”

Opinions were shifting. Victoria’s innocent image was cracking.

People were seeing the calculated moves behind her tears.

Yesterday’s conversation had changed everything for Eleanor.

Isabella had shown mercy. She held power but didn’t use it to destroy Victoria.

That act of restraint now made Eleanor doubt her own eyes.

Seeing Isabella walk away, alone and accused, twisted something in Eleanor’s chest.

She had chosen to believe the spectacle over the person.

Guilt began to prickle at her.

She turned to Victoria. “Let’s go. You need dry clothes.”

“You believe her, don’t you? Mommy, I can’t even swim! Why would I do this to myself?” Victoria’s voice was a desperate, pitiful whine.

“I know you wouldn’t, darling. But I don’t think she meant to push you. If she truly wanted to hurt you, she had far worse options.” Eleanor’s tone was firm, final.

She took Victoria’s arm and led her away quickly, avoiding the growing crowd.

Victoria seethed internally.

Eleanor’s faith in her was crumbling.

Isabella was winning too easily.

Rage burned hot and vicious under her skin.

At home, Penelope helped her change.

“The video! Show me the video now!” Victoria demanded the moment Eleanor was out of sight.

Penelope flinched, handing over the phone with shaking hands.

The footage showed Isabella brushing cake off Victoria’s dress.

The crucial moment—the push—was completely missing from the angle.

Her perfect plan was ruined.

She needed that clip for social media. For Eleanor.

Nothing.

“You useless idiot!” she screamed. “These angles are worthless! Get out! Get out of my sight!”

Blind fury took over.

She hurled a vase against the wall. It shattered into a thousand pieces.

She grabbed a lamp and threw it next.

The room became a target for her uncontrollable rage.

Penelope shrank into the corner, terrified and small.