Chapter 544

The Ashford family had acknowledged Victoria and gone to great lengths to arrange an engagement with the Blackwoods, allowing her to get close to Nathan.

Yet she had accomplished nothing. Instead, she had dragged the Ashford name through the mud.

Reginald Ashford wanted nothing more than to disown her.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the business world shifted subtly, alliances rearranging like chess pieces.

This day would be remembered.

The internet buzzed relentlessly, the scandal growing louder.

Victoria’s noble facade crumbled—photos of her rebellious school days surfaced, former classmates accusing her of fraud.

She wanted to scream.

Though Ashford blood ran in her veins, her illegitimacy was undeniable.

And no one defended her.

After work, Evelyn grabbed her bag and left.

But the moment she stepped out, Victoria stood there, pale and trembling.

"Ms. Sinclair, please… I’m begging you. Let this go."

Evelyn arched a brow, studying the woman before her like a persistent ghost. Memories of last night darkened her gaze.

Victoria bit her lip, humiliation burning her cheeks.

"I’m sorry. Truly. It was my fault. I’ll leave the city. Just… let bygones be bygones."

She had tasted the venom of public scorn. The insults had been relentless. But her greatest fear? The Ashfords casting her aside.

She couldn’t lose the life she’d fought so hard to claim.

So she swallowed her pride and groveled.

Evelyn smirked, cold amusement in her eyes.

"Bygones? How hypocritical. I prefer watching fortunes burn."

She hadn’t forgotten Victoria’s act last night—the sickening sweetness, the calculated moves.

And she wouldn’t forgive.

Victoria’s face drained of color.

"It was just a glass of wine. You didn’t even drink—"

Evelyn’s icy stare silenced her.

"No one forces me to do anything. You dared. Now face the consequences."

She turned, her driver already waiting.

"I came to apologize! What more do you want?" Victoria’s voice cracked.

Evelyn paused, her expression sharpening.

"I don’t accept apologies. I settle things my way. And you? You disgust me."

Then she was gone, the car pulling away without a backward glance.

The calls kept coming. Unanswered.

The Ashford Group was panicking.

Victoria collapsed to the ground, sobbing.

Minutes later, Penelope’s furious call confirmed it—the situation was worsening.

All because of her.

She forced herself up, ready to return home—when footsteps rushed behind her.

A heavy bag slammed into her skull.

Before she could react, fingers tangled in her hair, yanking hard.

A stinging slap cracked across her face.

"You little snake! How dare you seduce my husband?"