Chapter 308

"Father!" Giselle's voice dripped with defiance.

Edmund's expression turned glacial. "Apologize to her immediately!"

Trapped, Giselle bit her lower lip and muttered toward Evelyn, "My apologies."

Nathan's stern gaze made it clear he found her apology lacking.

"Properly!" Edmund commanded. "Give Ms. Hartley a sincere apology, Giselle!"

Giselle shot her father a look of betrayal and fury.

Edmund met her gaze unflinchingly. Though he often indulged her, Giselle knew he wouldn't hesitate to discipline her if she threatened the family's interests.

Swallowing her pride, Giselle stepped forward and forced out the words, "I apologize, Ms. Hartley. It was wrong of me to accuse you without evidence. Please forgive me."

Evelyn didn't even glance at Giselle. She simply turned to Nathan and said, "Thank you."

Then, addressing Natalie and Ethan, she added, "Let's go."

"Of course," they agreed.

Without another word, the trio exited the banquet early.

Once inside Ethan's car outside the Sterling residence, Natalie couldn't contain her curiosity. "Evelyn, how did you pull that off?" Her eyes sparkled with admiration.

Ethan watched Evelyn expectantly, waiting for an explanation.

Evelyn pressed her lips together briefly before answering. "After Daphne handled my purse, I noticed the clasp wasn't aligned properly. That's when I suspected tampering. When no one was watching, I checked and found the necklace. Realizing she meant to frame me, I decided to turn the tables."

Natalie frowned. "But how did it end up in Daphne's pocket?"

A faint smile touched Evelyn's lips. "Remember when I went to get us drinks? Daphne was there too. I slipped it into her dress pocket discreetly."

"Incredible," Natalie breathed, impressed.

Evelyn's expression darkened. "I initially thought Daphne was behind it. Only when Giselle intervened did I realize she was the mastermind."

She paused, then added, "We've never even spoken. Why would she target me?" The mystery gnawed at her.

Ethan and Natalie exchanged puzzled glances. After a moment, Ethan asked, "Weren't you worried about security cameras catching you?"

Evelyn smiled confidently. "No need to worry, Ethan."

She'd been careful to stay out of their sight.