Chapter 322

"I'm sure everyone heard about my kidnapping incident recently."

Victoria Lancaster's voice trembled as she pointed an accusing finger at Vivian Prescott. "Yes, I was abducted and violated by several men. And the mastermind behind this horrific act is standing right here - Miss Vivian Prescott!"

Her lips quivered dramatically. "I wanted to let this go initially, but she's now twisting the narrative and slandering me publicly. I can't tolerate this anymore!"

The crowd gasped collectively.

"Vivian Prescott, I'm exposing your crimes today!"

As her declaration echoed through the hall, the guests immediately rallied behind Victoria.

"Miss Lancaster, we stand with you!"

"How despicable, Vivian Prescott!"

"Don't worry Victoria, we'll all support your accusations against this vile woman!"

"With such immoral character, Lady Belle Jewelry deserves to go bankrupt! No one will patronize your store again!"

A thunderous voice cut through the accusations like a blade. "Enough!"

All eyes turned to Alexander Blackwood, whose glacial gaze swept across the room before settling on Victoria's tear-streaked face.

Victoria's breath hitched as her pulse raced erratically.

"Why must you humiliate yourself repeatedly?" Alexander's voice dripped with disdain. "I warned you not to reopen these wounds, yet here you are, parading your fabricated victimhood."

"Alexander, I had no choice!" Victoria protested with theatrical distress. "I can't let my tormentor walk free. But fine, I'll drop it. I won't speak of this again."

Her performance was flawless, though internally she prayed no one would actually investigate - the truth would destroy her.

"We absolutely must investigate this thoroughly!" Eleanor Kingsley declared vehemently.

Alexander's mocking laugh sent chills down Victoria's spine. His piercing stare made her squirm as she desperately tugged her mother's arm. "Mother, please, let it go—"

"Do you really think that's possible now?" Alexander interrupted coldly. His contemptuous once-over left Victoria trembling.

"I never intended to air this publicly," he stated, his protective arm encircling Vivian. "I don't care about outsiders' opinions of me. But no one," his glare shifted to Victoria, "absolutely no one gets to slander the woman I love."

Victoria paled dramatically. "Alexander—"

"The police completed their investigation this morning. All four perpetrators confessed - you hired them to kidnap Vivian. When you refused payment, they turned on you instead."

The color drained from Victoria's face. She hadn't anticipated Alexander uncovering everything.

Eleanor shook her head violently. "Impossible! My daughter is the victim here!"

"She's the perpetrator," Alexander stated unequivocally. "Vivian is the true victim. I persuaded her to drop the matter to spare your family's reputation."

Eleanor stood speechless. "This...this can't be...why would Victoria...?"

"Mother, believe me! I would never!" Victoria flailed desperately. "Alexander, you've been deceived! Vivian must have bribed those men! If I were guilty, the police would have arrested me already—there's no evidence!"

"You want evidence?" Alexander's smile turned predatory. "The evidence is right here."