Chapter 317

Evelyn had once clung to the faint hope that even if Victor didn't love her as his daughter, he might at least possess some basic decency. But this? This betrayal cut deeper than she'd ever imagined.

Sometimes she questioned what Diana had ever seen in Victor. Diana was elegant, visionary—a woman of substance and grace. By all accounts, someone of her caliber should never have married a man like Victor: selfish, deceitful, and utterly lacking in loyalty.

Evelyn remained on the balcony longer than intended, letting the crisp night air numb her turbulent emotions before finally retreating inside. The scalding shower did nothing to wash away her bitterness. She lay awake until dawn's first light, grateful at least for her day off—she desperately needed the rest.

Meanwhile, at the Sterling estate, Daphne burst into Giselle's chambers, her face ashen with panic.

"Giselle! We're ruined!" she gasped, voice trembling.

Giselle glanced up from her vanity, unimpressed by the theatrics. "Compose yourself. Breathe, then speak clearly."

But Daphne couldn't slow her racing thoughts. "There's no time! This morning, our longest-standing business partner severed ties with my family. Father just learned they've aligned with the Caldwells instead!"

She clutched the bedpost for support before adding in a whisper, "This has to be retaliation for what happened to Evelyn. Giselle, what do we do now?"

A shadow crossed Giselle's features. "You're certain of this?"

"Absolutely!" Daphne paced like a caged animal before suddenly whirling around. "What if I beg Evelyn for forgiveness? If I apologize, maybe the Caldwells will stop—"

Giselle's palm slammed against the tea table with such force the porcelain rattled. Her glacial stare pinned Daphne in place. "Have you lost all reason? Do you truly believe that snake would show mercy? And how exactly would you explain yourself? By throwing me under the carriage?" Her voice dripped with venom.

Daphne recoiled. "No! I'd never—I just—" She swallowed hard. "I spoke without thinking. I won't approach her."

Giselle's posture relaxed marginally. She exhaled through pursed lips before adopting a calmer tone. "This likely has nothing to do with the Caldwells. Don't borrow trouble."

But Daphne shook her head violently, complexion ghostly. "It's them! The timing proves it! I'd heard rumors about Evelyn—dismissed them as exaggerations. Now I fear they might be true!"

"What rumors?" Giselle's brow furrowed.