Chapter 19

Outside The Grand Hyatt, Vincent Lowell lay sprawled on the ground like a dead dog. He struggled to rise, his nails digging deep into his palms.

Margaret Hill had just regained consciousness and immediately burst into sobs. Sophia Lowell wept pitifully, her face streaked with tears. Brandon Lowell lay on the ground rolling his eyes, drool dripping from the corner of his mouth.

"Shut the hell up!" Vincent roared before wincing in pain. His hands trembled as he pulled out his phone to call an ambulance, his eyes dark with fury.

The ambulance arrived with flashing blue lights. Even as the paramedics lifted the stretcher, Vincent continued grinding his teeth and muttering curses.

Tension crackled through the banquet hall. Guests exchanged glances but no one dared approach. New arrivals immediately sensed the charged atmosphere.

Victoria Langley hurried toward Evelyn Laurent, grasping her hand and steering her toward the elevators. "Are you hurt?" Her voice shook.

Evelyn flexed her wrist. "They got the worse end of it."

Only after a thorough inspection did Victoria finally exhale in relief. She whisked her daughter straight to the penthouse suite, smacking her forehead in frustration along the way. "This is all my fault for not anticipating this."

Evelyn paused while unzipping her tracksuit.

"Wear whatever you want from now on." Victoria carefully straightened Evelyn's collar. "You didn't sprain your wrist during the... altercation, did you?"

Evelyn froze. She'd braced for scolding, not this. Her chest ached as if soaked in warm water—tender and swollen with emotion.

"Mom." She suddenly grabbed Victoria's hand. "I hit someone in public—"

"Good!" Victoria squeezed back. "Pity we didn't get it on video though." She clicked her tongue in genuine regret.

Evelyn's eyes burned. So this was how unconditional love felt.