Chapter 323

Evelyn spoke with deliberate calm as she retrieved her phone, displaying a series of digits on the glowing screen.

All eyes turned toward the device. Victoria froze when the numbers came into view.

At first, she didn't comprehend. But after several heartbeats, her complexion turned ashen, pupils dilating with panic.

Watching her reaction, Evelyn's lips curved into a knowing smile.

"Miss Lancaster, cat got your tongue? This number looks familiar, doesn't it? Of course it does - it belongs to your adoptive mother, Margaret Dawson."

Evelyn moved with effortless grace toward Victoria, her regal bearing instantly diminishing the other woman's presence.

"You're clever, I'll give you that. Using your mother's phone to contact those thugs was smart - it created plausible deniability. But phone records don't lie. Even deleted calls can be retrieved from the carrier."

She paused dramatically. "Oh, and those criminals? They record all their transactions. Shall I play the audio for our audience?"

Victoria's eyes widened impossibly further, her pallor turning ghostly.

The guests who'd moments ago pledged support now glared at her with open hostility.

The tables had turned spectacularly.

Their earlier defense of Victoria now tasted like ashes. They'd nearly condemned an innocent woman.

Evelyn surveyed the scene with quiet satisfaction. "Still claiming victimhood, Victoria?"

Silence.

"Alexander was willing to sacrifice me - his friend - to protect you. But you couldn't leave well enough alone. You and your precious mother had to stage this public spectacle. Happy with the results?"

Her gaze swept over Eleanor and Margaret Blackwood's stunned expressions.

"Mrs. Kingsley, Mrs. Blackwood - shall we continue this investigation? Call the police perhaps? Or would you prefer I do it?"

Victoria never anticipated this outcome.

Her lips pressed into a bloodless line as she glared daggers at Evelyn.

Surrounded by accusing stares, panic clawed at her throat with no escape in sight.

"Mr. Blackwood, Miss Prescott, please! Victoria's innocent!"

Margaret emerged from the crowd unexpectedly.

Tears streamed down her face as she threw herself at Evelyn's feet, clutching desperately at the delicate fabric of her gown.

"I did it all! Every bit of it! Victoria knew nothing!"

The older woman's grip tightened, pulling the one-shoulder dress dangerously low.

Evelyn instinctively covered herself with her clutch. "Release me."

But Margaret only wailed louder. "Punish me instead! I hired those men! Victoria tried stopping me - that's why she went to Riverside! Blame me! Only me!"

With a violent tug, the fabric tore.

Alexander moved like lightning, draping his jacket over Evelyn's shoulders before anyone could blink.

His icy glare could have frozen hell. "I believe she asked you to let go. Get. Out."

A sharp kick dislodged Margaret's grasp. Then, before the stunned assembly, he swept Evelyn into a protective embrace.

Victoria watched, disbelief etching lines across her face. This tenderness from Alexander - directed at Vivian? Impossible.