Chapter 302

Lila's accusation sent shockwaves through the gathered crowd.

"Did Evelyn actually steal from Lila before? This explains everything!"

"Of course she would! Being the illegitimate daughter, she's probably desperate enough to steal again."

"I wasn't sure about the previous theft, but now I'm convinced Evelyn did it."

Lila had successfully thrown Evelyn into the center of a scandal.

"Lila! What nonsense are you spouting? When has Evelyn ever stolen from you?" Natalie shouted furiously, making Lila flinch.

Lila glanced at Evelyn with feigned remorse. "I'm sorry, Evelyn. I didn't mean to bring this up publicly."

Evelyn responded with an icy laugh, seeing right through Lila's act. This was the perfect opportunity for Lila to strike, and she wouldn't miss it.

"Miss Sinclair," came a deep, commanding voice cutting through the murmurs. "You've accused Ms. Hartley of theft. Do you have any evidence?"

All eyes turned as Nathan Black emerged from the crowd. His tall frame moved with effortless grace, one hand casually in his pocket.

Stopping before Lila, he looked down with piercing intensity.

A dangerous smile played on his lips. "Shall we call your father and see what the Sinclair family head thinks of these accusations?"

Lila's face went pale.

She hadn't anticipated Nathan's intervention, least of all his threat to involve her father. That call would only bring her humiliation - her father would never publicly support such baseless claims that would disgrace their family name.

Knowing she'd face severe consequences at home, Lila bit her lip. "That won't be necessary. I... I spoke without thinking earlier. It wasn't true."

Nathan's derisive snort echoed through the silent room. The guests exchanged disdainful looks.

"Fabricating such serious accusations - how shameful!"

"And at a time like this too. Clearly trying to frame Evelyn."

"Pretending to support her sister while stabbing her in the back. The hypocrisy is astounding."

Lila's cheeks burned crimson under the weight of their judgment.

Nathan then turned his hawk-like gaze on Giselle, his voice dropping to a dangerous timbre.

"Ms. Sterling, is it customary for the Williamson family to demand guests submit to bag searches?"

Caught off guard, Giselle hesitated before countering, "Mr. Black, what exactly is your relationship with Ms. Hartley? Why are you defending her so vehemently?"