Chapter 370

Victoria Lancaster was the darling of the Montgomery family, a name everyone recognized instantly.

When Vivian Prescott saw the viral photos of Eleanor Kingsley and William Montgomery being harassed by paparazzi, a sharp pang shot through her chest.

"Father... Mother..." she whispered. Then her thoughts drifted to Ethan.

"I'm just like you. Neither of us ever knew a mother's love..."

Knock. Knock. Knock.

The urgent rapping came from her office door.

Vivian lifted her gaze to see the sales director standing there, visibly distressed.

"Enter." Vivian gestured. "What's happened? You look frantic."

The woman rushed in, breathless. "Miss Prescott! There's a couple downstairs causing a scene. They're demanding to confront you directly. They're calling you... a homewrecker. They're threatening to vandalize the store if you don't come down immediately!"

Vivian rose smoothly. "Stay calm. I'll handle this."

She slipped on her tailored blazer, her stilettos clicking decisively against the marble stairs.

From the landing, Vivian could already hear the shrill voice echoing through the boutique. "Vivian Prescott! You shameless homewrecker! Show your face!"

"You vile seductress! You stole my daughter's husband and framed her for crimes! Do you think we'll let you destroy Victoria's life without consequences?"

"Vivian Prescott! Come out now!"

"I'm right here."

All heads turned as Vivian descended the final steps with regal composure.

Customers, staff, and curious onlookers gaped at the striking woman in the white power suit. Her beauty was undeniable, but more arresting was the commanding aura radiating from her.

Margaret and Richard Dawson froze momentarily. Though this woman bore Evelyn Sinclair's face, there was something undeniably more formidable about Vivian Prescott.

"Are you the ones calling me a homewrecker while threatening my business?" Vivian's voice cut through the tension like ice.

Their insults confirmed they hadn't yet realized Vivian was Evelyn. Clearly, they hadn't visited Victoria in detention.

"It's us!" Margaret spat, rolling up her sleeves aggressively. "I'm standing up for my daughter, Victoria Lancaster!"

Murmurs rippled through the crowd. These couldn't be the refined Montgomerys. These vulgar people must be Victoria's adoptive parents.

Margaret seized the moment. "Good people, listen! Those internet rumors about my daughter are lies! This scheming seductress framed poor Victoria!"

Richard nodded vehemently. "My wife speaks truth! This woman is the real criminal here!"

"You all know Alexander Blackwood, yes? The Blackwood Enterprises CEO? He loved my daughter until this harlot came along!" Margaret's voice grew shriller, spittle flying.

"To steal Alexander, this witch had my daughter assaulted by thugs! Now Victoria rots in jail because of her! Tell me - doesn't this homewrecker deserve worse than shouting?"

Margaret wiped crocodile tears as the crowd murmured. Emboldened, she pressed on.

"People of Willowbrook! Join us in denouncing this villain today!"

Richard pointed accusingly. "With so many witnesses, Vivian Prescott, how will you explain yourself?"

Vivian let their tirade wash over her. Then she lifted her chin, eyes flashing dangerously.

"Finished? Then it's my turn to speak."