Chapter 237

The executives approached William Sterling with polite greetings before hastily excusing themselves.

They deliberately ignored Margaret's presence.

William clinked glasses with them absentmindedly, mirroring Evelyn's refusal to drink. He had witnessed the entire scene unfold.

Though the Sterlings were hosting, the guest count had far exceeded their original invitations.

Everyone sought to network with the prestigious Sterling family and mingle with high society.

Uninvited guests had tagged along with invited friends, exploiting the opportunity.

William chose to overlook this breach of etiquette but refused to entertain every toast.

His participation in a toast was considered an immense honor. Margaret's face paled at this realization.

What had she just accused Evelyn of? Poor manners for not drinking?

William's icy gaze flickered between Evelyn and Margaret. He remained silent.

Why was she causing a scene? She should at least recognize the occasion.

"Enough. This is Evelyn's birthday celebration."

His low voice dripped with displeasure. "Why are you crying?" His commanding presence dwarfed hers.

The unspoken threat in his tone was unmistakable. "Charles, take her home immediately. We won't tolerate the Sterling name being tarnished."

Charles and Margaret froze at his words.

Tears streamed down Margaret's face. "We're being dismissed just like that?"

A-list celebrities from across the globe attended Evelyn's party.

Margaret had begged Charles to bring her, desperate to flaunt her status after being expelled from Sterling Manor previously.

Another public dismissal would destroy her social standing.

"William, please—" Charles pleaded helplessly.

After all these years together without marriage, he did feel some guilt. Margaret clutched his arm dramatically.

"See? William doesn't consider me family. No wonder his children treat me with such contempt!"

"All my years with you mean nothing!" Disgust twisted William's features.

Only the presence of guests and concern for Evelyn's mood prevented his outburst.

Evelyn observed coldly from the sidelines. This was her event—she wouldn't tolerate disruptions.

"Stop claiming association with the Sterlings," Evelyn stated icily. "You've never been one of us."

"Aunt Elizabeth passed years ago, and we still honor her memory annually. Everyone knows you're just the mistress."

Margaret gaped in shock. How dare Evelyn expose this publicly?

Some guests knew but avoided mentioning it. Others were now enlightened by Evelyn's bluntness.

"Evelyn!" Charles frowned disapprovingly.

Before Evelyn could respond, Genevieve rushed to her mother's defense.

"How could you, Evelyn? Mom has cared for Dad for nearly a decade! Even without marriage, their love is real!"

Genevieve's gaze flickered meaningfully between Evelyn and William.

"If not for... circumstances, they'd be married by now!" She clung to Charles's arm pitifully. "Right, Dad?"

Charles hesitated, glancing at William's stony expression before freezing.

Margaret, touched by her daughter's support, saw an opportunity to clear her name before this elite audience.

"You don't understand, Evelyn. I've endured so much hardship with your uncle—compared to Elizabeth—"

Evelyn cut her off sharply.

"Compared to Aunt Elizabeth? What exactly are you comparing? Your ages—or who's more shameless?"