Chapter 40

"Sophia!"

Margaret's piercing scream shattered the air as she lunged toward her daughter like a madwoman.

Evelyn seized her by the hair and delivered two sharp slaps across her face.

Crack! Crack!

The crisp sound of impact echoed through the grand hall.

Margaret staggered and collapsed, blood gushing from her mouth.

Her newly fitted dentures went flying again, clattering across the marble floor.

The crowd recoiled in horror, some covering their eyes.

"Stop this!"

Three young men pushed through the spectators, faces contorted with rage.

They scrambled to help Sophia up.

"Have you lost your mind, Evelyn?"

The leader clenched his fists until the knuckles turned white.

"After everything Sophia's done for you, this is how you repay her?"

Evelyn's lips curled into an icy smile.

"Done for me?"

Her gaze swept over them like a blade.

"Such kindness is more than I can bear."

"You ungrateful wretch!"

Another young man spat through gritted teeth.

"Seventeen years under the Lowells' roof, and this is what they get?"

Vincent trembled as he stood, disappointment etched across his face.

"Evelyn, you've—"

"Silence!"

Her command cut through the air like a whip.

Alone at the center, Evelyn stood encircled by a sea of scornful stares.

Whispers slithered through the crowd.

"No upbringing..."

"Vicious..."

"Backstabber..."

Each word stabbed deeper than the last.

Her nails bit into her palms.

Chest heaving, her eyes burned crimson.

"Vincent."

Her voice could freeze hellfire.

"You forfeited the right to lecture me."

"I'm your father!"

Vincent shook with fury.

"Father?"

Evelyn's sudden laughter made spines shiver.

"Fine. If I'm truly this monstrous..."

She slowly raised her hand, pointing at Vincent.

"Call the police."

"Let them judge who's in the wrong."

"Do you dare, Vincent Lowell?"