Chapter 350

Nathan's lips curled into a knowing smirk as he spoke in that deep, gravelly tone that always sent shivers down spines. "Olivia Sinclair didn't just settle the score tonight - she sent a clear message to everyone watching."

Theodore Whitmore chuckled, nodding appreciatively. "Absolutely. Seeing the Sinclair family stand so fiercely for Evelyn Hartley, even taking on the Sterlings and Chamberlains... it's making waves. People are realizing what true protection looks like." He leaned in closer. "And since Marcus and Olivia Sinclair keep such a tight inner circle, you can bet half the elite are scrambling to get into their good graces. Especially after what happened with Lila..." His voice dropped. "But after tonight's display? Nobody would dare cross that line unless they've got a death wish. Olivia's strategy of making an example was brilliant."

Nathan remained silent, his sharp eyes missing nothing. He sensed Olivia's actions toward Lila carried deeper implications...

Just then, Olivia's voice cut through the murmuring crowd, her words aimed directly at Victor and Diana Sterling. "Mr. and Mrs. Sterling, while building your empire is commendable, perhaps you should invest equal effort in raising your daughter properly."

Her next words landed like a slap. "If you won't teach her manners, the world will teach her consequences."

The implication of their parental failure hung thick in the air. Victor Sterling visibly flinched, his earlier confidence crumbling into humiliation. Diana's cheeks burned scarlet as she clutched her purse like a lifeline.

"Y-yes, of course," Victor stammered, his voice barely above a whisper. He whirled toward the stage where Lila stood frozen. "Get down here now!" he barked.

Lila jumped at her father's command, her trembling hands gathering her skirt as she moved to descend.

"Wait." Olivia's voice, though quiet, stopped Lila mid-step like an invisible barrier. The single word carried enough ice to frost the entire ballroom.

Lila turned slowly, her voice quivering. "Mrs. Sinclair... is there something else?"

Olivia's smile didn't reach her eyes. "Do you recall accusing Evelyn of stealing your necklace at the Sterling gala?"

The color drained from Lila's face. Victor jumped in immediately. "That was clearly a misunder—"

"Let her answer," Olivia cut him off sharply, leaving Victor gaping like a fish.

Lila's nails dug into her palms. What could she possibly say now?

After an agonizing silence, she whispered, "I... I was wrong. Evelyn never took anything from me."

Olivia's gaze remained steady. "Then don't you think an apology is in order, Miss Sterling?"

Lila's knees nearly buckled.

As if on cue, the crowd parted, creating a path for Evelyn to step forward. Evelyn blinked in surprise but quickly composed herself, meeting Lila's gaze with quiet dignity. For a heartbeat, resentment flashed in Lila's eyes before she looked away.

Victor attempted damage control. "Mrs. Sinclair, it was just a slip of the tongue between sisters. Surely no formal apology is needed between family?"

Olivia arched one perfectly shaped brow. "I was prepared to be lenient if your daughter apologized. But since you insist there's no need..." Her smile turned razor-sharp. "Then I see no reason to hold back."

...

The tension in the grand ballroom became palpable, every guest holding their breath as the confrontation unfolded. Evelyn stood perfectly still, the candlelight catching the subtle tremble of the emerald pendant at her throat - the same necklace Lila had falsely accused her of stealing months ago.

Nathan watched from the shadows, his protective instincts flaring as he observed Evelyn's quiet strength. She hadn't asked for this public reckoning, yet she bore it with grace that made his chest tighten.

Theodore nudged him with an elbow. "This is better than any theater production," he murmured. "Look at Edmund Sterling's face - he's realizing too late that his daughter picked the wrong target."

Indeed, the patriarch of the Sterling family looked as if he'd swallowed something foul, his earlier bravado replaced by dawning comprehension of how thoroughly his family had underestimated the Sinclairs' loyalty to Evelyn.

On stage, Lila's breathing grew erratic, her carefully applied makeup doing little to conceal her pallor. The glittering chandeliers overhead now felt like interrogation lights rather than decorative lighting.

Olivia took a deliberate step forward, her designer heels clicking against the marble. "Well, Miss Sterling? We're all waiting."

The unspoken challenge hung in the air: apologize now, or face consequences far worse than public humiliation. The entire elite society watched, their expressions ranging from schadenfreude to genuine shock at seeing the mighty Sterlings brought so low.

Evelyn's gaze flickered to Nathan briefly, finding silent strength in his steady presence before returning her attention to the unfolding drama. She hadn't sought this reckoning, but she wouldn't shy away from it either - not after everything Lila had put her through.

Victor Sterling opened his mouth again, perhaps to protest, but a single quelling look from Olivia silenced him. The message was clear: this was between Lila and Evelyn now, and no parental interference would be tolerated.

Lila's hands clenched into fists at her sides, her manicured nails leaving crescent marks in her palms. The moment stretched, the tension thickening until it felt nearly suffocating.

Then, with a shuddering breath that seemed to cost her dearly, Lila Sinclair took the first step toward her long-overdue reckoning...