Chapter 252

Sebastian Whitman stood impeccably dressed in a custom-tailored suit, his usual composed demeanor replaced by visible fury. The icy rage in his eyes contrasted sharply with his typically unreadable aristocratic features.

"Apologize to my fiancée immediately," he commanded, his voice dangerously low. "Or this won't end with just a lawsuit."

The socialite trembled under his glacial stare, though she didn't recognize the powerful man before her.

Vivian Prescott moved gracefully to Sebastian's side, slipping her arm through his with natural intimacy. "It's alright, Sebastian. I don't need her hollow apology. The truth is clear now."

Sebastian turned to her, his expression softening. "I won't tolerate anyone slandering you, Vivian. Not a single word against you will go unchallenged."

His protective declaration sent whispers through the crowd. Several young debutantes sighed dreamily at his devotion.

Victoria Lancaster's nails dug into her palms as jealousy burned through her. This woman who looked identical to Evelyn Sinclair was stealing the spotlight yet again.

"Are you waiting for a police escort before apologizing?" Sebastian's voice cut through the murmurs like winter wind.

The accused woman stammered out frantic apologies. "I-I was mistaken! Please forgive my error!"

Three years. Vivian hadn't expected to receive this belated justice. If Alexander Blackwood hadn't been so cruel back then...

Her thoughts scattered as she caught Victoria's venomous glare. The other woman quickly averted her eyes.

Just as the socialite tried to flee, Sebastian stopped her again. "Your apology isn't complete."

The woman froze in confusion.

"You claimed someone resembling my fiancée stole your bracelet at the Blackwoods' gala, correct?"

"Y-yes! It's only because they look so alike! I would never mistake your fiancée for that thief otherwise!"

Sebastian's aristocratic features hardened. "That 'maid' was Alexander Blackwood's wife, Evelyn Sinclair. And the real thief..." His piercing gaze landed on Victoria. "...was her."

Gasps erupted through the crowd. All eyes turned to Victoria, who stood frozen like a startled doe.

Victoria's face paled, but she maintained her saintly composure. "Mr. Whitman, even as Alexander's uncle, how dare you accuse me like this? I've never stolen anything!"

"You framed Evelyn for Beatrice Thornton's missing bracelet." Sebastian recounted the events with chilling precision. "Many witnesses from that night are here tonight. Then you amplified the scandal online, forcing Evelyn to endure public humiliation."

"Preposterous!" Eleanor Kingsley stormed forward. "Sebastian, how dare you slander my daughter like this? I won't let this stand!"

"Mother..." Victoria clung to Eleanor's arm, tears welling. "I don't understand why my future uncle would attack me like this!"

Margaret Blackwood joined the defense. "Are you dredging up old scandals just because your fiancée resembles Evelyn?"

Sebastian's eyes darkened dangerously. "You're correct - I am reopening old wounds. But only to clear Evelyn's name once and for all."

Victoria forced a brittle laugh. "Mr. Whitman, you're seriously accusing me without proof?"

"The proof is right here." Sebastian produced a sleek tablet. "Let's see who's truly guilty."