Chapter 352

Diana's chest rose and fell rapidly, her face flushed crimson with rage. "Hiring criminals to fake a robbery and playing the hero? Lila, you've truly gone too far! Is this the kind of behavior I raised you to exhibit? Did I teach you to sink to such despicable levels just to get your way?"

Lila remained silent, trembling too violently to form words.

"Answer me!" Diana slammed her palm against the marble tabletop, the sharp sound echoing through the tense silence.

Lila's entire body shook as she stammered, "I-I'm sorry, Mother. It was a mistake! I know I shouldn't have done it. I just... I wasn't thinking clearly and made a terrible choice."

After a shaky breath, she continued, "Seeing how the Caldwell family dotes on Evelyn made me so jealous that I—"

A cold laugh escaped Diana's lips. "Jealous? That's your excuse? You were so consumed by envy that at the Sterling family gala, in front of high society, you publicly accused Evelyn of stealing your necklace?"

Lila lifted tear-filled eyes, shaking her head desperately. "It... it just slipped out! I didn't mean—"

"Stop lying," Diana cut in sharply. "I know exactly what you intended."

Her voice turned icy. "I carried you for nine months. Do you think your own mother can't see through your schemes? Your jealousy of Evelyn has festered into pure malice. You sought to ruin her reputation out of petty spite."

"Did you even consider the consequences of dredging up Evelyn's past in that setting? Or have you forgotten she's your sister?"

Lila's jaw clenched. Sister? Evelyn was nothing but a bastard child born from that mistress Grace Monroe! Sometimes Lila wondered if her mother had lost her mind—not only tolerating her father's mistress but welcoming the illegitimate daughter into their home without protest.

Did Diana even love Victor at all? What kind of wife would behave this way?

"Enough, Diana. Lila understands her mistake. Let her stand now," Victor interjected.

"You've spoiled her rotten! And now see what she's become—resorting to such shameful tactics!" Diana's temples pulsed visibly with anger.

After composing herself, she pronounced judgment: "Lila, you'll kneel here all night. No one is permitted to help you up without my express permission. And for the next week, you're confined to your room to reflect on your disgraceful behavior."

Lila's head snapped up in shock, her eyes wide with disbelief. Even Victor's expression darkened.

"Diana, making her kneel until morning is too severe. She has hospital duties tomorrow."

"If the punishment isn't harsh, how will she learn?" Diana remained unmoved. "Take leave from the hospital tomorrow, Lila. If they won't grant it, then resign!"

"Mother!" Lila gasped.

"My decision is final." With that, Diana rose and ascended the grand staircase without another glance.