Chapter 321

As Evelyn's voice trailed off, an eerie silence descended upon the gathered crowd.

The truth about this incident?

Wasn't what had just been revealed the actual truth?

Confused murmurs rippled through the guests as they exchanged bewildered glances.

Victoria knew exactly what she had done, and when Evelyn dropped this bombshell, cold sweat trickled down her back.

She was scrambling for a counterattack when Eleanor stepped forward like a protective lioness.

"Vivian Prescott, you vile creature!" Eleanor's voice shook with barely contained fury. "How dare you attempt to destroy my daughter's reputation!"

Her manicured finger jabbed accusingly at Evelyn.

"You paid those thugs to abduct Victoria and subjected her to unspeakable horrors. Then you plastered it all over social media to humiliate her further! I won't let this stand!"

"Mother..." Victoria clung to Eleanor's arm, tears streaming down her porcelain cheeks. "Please, let it go. I don't want Alexander to be upset..."

"Alexander, do you hear this?" Eleanor embraced her trembling daughter while shooting daggers at Evelyn and Alexander. "Even now, Victoria still cares about your feelings, while you! You've let this witch torment her without showing an ounce of concern!"

"Alexander," Margaret Blackwood interjected sternly. "The family is right. Regardless of circumstances, you can't ignore Victoria. This matter must be thoroughly investigated!"

Victoria's sobs grew more theatrical. "Mrs. Blackwood, Mother, your support means everything. Though I'm the victim here, I truly don't wish to pursue this."

She swallowed dramatically before turning tear-filled eyes toward Evelyn.

"Miss Prescott, this is all my fault. I made you unhappy. What happened was just... bad luck. I won't press charges, so please don't anger my mother any further."

Her gaze then shifted to Alexander, brimming with manufactured vulnerability. "Alexander, it's all my mistake. Please don't be angry with me. I promise I'll never mention it again."

The performance was Oscar-worthy. Had Evelyn not known Victoria's true nature, she might have been fooled like everyone else.

"Victoria, why are you apologizing when you're the wronged party?" Eleanor protested vehemently. "They're the ones who should be begging for forgiveness!"

Clap. Clap. Clap.

Evelyn slowly applauded, the sharp sound cutting through the tension.

The crowd glared at her with righteous indignation, but Evelyn merely smiled, unfazed.

"Miss Lancaster's acting remains impeccable. Truly breathtaking."

Her chuckle held no warmth as she locked eyes with her nemesis.

"Victim? You're the mastermind behind everything."

"Vivian Prescott!" Eleanor's voice turned dangerous. "You dare spin lies with so many witnesses present?"

Meeting Eleanor's venomous gaze, Evelyn suppressed her rage and smirked.

"Mrs. Kingsley, the one twisting facts is your precious daughter."

"You—"

"Let me make this crystal clear - if Alexander hadn't begged me to drop the kidnapping investigation, your darling girl would be rotting in prison right now."

Eleanor gaped like a fish out of water. "You... You're the criminal accusing the innocent!"

"Mother, I didn't! She's framing me!" Victoria shook her head frantically, eyes wide with feigned innocence. "Alexander, you know I could never do such terrible things!"

Her pitiful gaze swept across the assembled guests, searching for sympathy.