Chapter 301

Evelyn's expression turned icy in a heartbeat. "What exactly are you implying? You want to search me? On what grounds?"

Ethan stepped forward sharply, his voice cutting through the tension. "This is absurd. Are you suggesting Evelyn would need to steal something as trivial as a necklace? She could buy a dozen without blinking."

Daphne quickly intervened, her tone conciliatory. "Mr. Caldwell, you're misunderstanding Giselle. She wasn't accusing Ms. Hartley; she merely wanted to clear any doubts and prove Ms. Hartley's innocence."

Natalie exploded in outrage. "This is ridiculous! Evelyn doesn't need anyone to prove her innocence. Who does this woman think she is?"

Watching Ethan and Natalie defend her so fiercely, Evelyn felt a surge of warmth. Perhaps she wouldn't need to fight this battle alone.

Just as Evelyn opened her mouth to speak, a calm voice interrupted. "Evelyn, wouldn't it be simpler to just let them check your purse? That would settle this matter quickly."

Evelyn's face darkened instantly at the familiar voice. Lila.

Seeing Lila involve herself, Natalie's expression soured. "Stay out of this. It's none of your concern!"

"As Evelyn's older sister, it's my duty to guide her," Lila responded firmly, meeting Natalie's glare. "Moreover, the Sterling family's reputation is at stake if Evelyn doesn't clear these baseless accusations."

Lila's words sent shockwaves through the crowd, freezing everyone in place.

Murmurs erupted immediately. "Wait, what? Evelyn is Lila's sister? Since when did the Sterlings have another daughter?"

"Of course! How could I forget about the Sterling family's... less legitimate branch?"

"Ah yes, the open secret everyone pretends not to know."

"So Nathan Black's close friend is actually the Sterling family's illegitimate child?"

The atmosphere shifted palpably. While illegitimate children weren't uncommon in high society, they were often treated as dirty secrets - tolerated but never truly accepted.

Ethan's commanding voice cut through the whispers. "What does her birth status matter? She's the Caldwell family's treasured guest!"

His declaration carried undeniable authority, silencing the murmurs instantly. The guests who'd been ready to judge suddenly found their tongues tied.

Lila's mask slipped for just a moment, revealing a flash of frustration before she schooled her features. Turning to Evelyn, she adopted a concerned tone. "Evelyn, when you took my necklace last time, I let it go because we're family. What's mine is yours. But this is different! If you've really taken Miss Sterling's necklace, you must return it immediately."

The moment Lila finished speaking, Evelyn's head snapped up. Her gaze turned razor-sharp, as if she could slice Lila apart with just her eyes. Under that intense stare, Lila unconsciously swallowed, a flicker of unease crossing her face.