Chapter 156

The scandal between Mrs. Sterling and Isabella exploded across social media in an instant, setting the internet ablaze.

Twitter was no longer buzzing about Thaddeus and Isabella's engagement—now, all eyes were on Isabella's daughter, Evelyn, who was being investigated for murder.

Leaked footage from the birthday party showed Isabella losing control, causing a scene, and even her dress slipping off, leaving her exposed in front of everyone. The video spread like wildfire, turning the whole affair into a viral spectacle.

The backlash was brutal.

Netizens tore into Isabella mercilessly.

Many couldn't stomach her actions—abandoning her own daughter to claw her way up the social ladder. A petition even surfaced, demanding legal consequences for her behavior.

"She doesn’t even acknowledge her own child. Left her overseas and never looked back. Is she even human? Dogs protect their pups better than she does!"

"Don’t insult dogs by comparing them to her. She’s not worthy."

"Wait, did I hear that right? Thaddeus divorced because he was in love with her? That’s just tragic."

"Thaddeus must have terrible taste. I don’t know his ex-wife, but I’m sure she’s miles better than this mess."

"His ex-wife better than her? That’s not even a fair comparison!"

"Childhood sweethearts? More like a disaster waiting to happen."

"Someone needs to turn this into a drama series. I’d binge-watch the hell out of it!"

Ruining someone’s reputation had never been easier.

Only the Ashbourne family knew the truth—this wasn’t just chaos. It was a meticulously orchestrated takedown. From discovery to exposure, every step had been carefully planned. Evadne had pushed Isabella from the heights of society straight into the gutter.

Evadne was patient. She rarely acted.

But when she did, she made sure her enemies never got back up.

Outside the Abernathy Hotel, the scene was pure pandemonium—reporters, spectators, and police cars clogged the entrance.

When Evelyn appeared, she was ghostly pale, barely able to stand. Two officers had to drag her into the police car.

Bystanders filmed the arrest, uploading it to social media in real time.

Across the street, inside a sleek Rolls-Royce, Cassius Ashbourne and Arnold watched the scene unfold before rolling up the tinted windows.

"I was going to suggest hiring some influencers to amplify the scandal, but it looks like the public is doing all the work for us," Arnold mused, scrolling through the relentless backlash on Twitter, his sharp eyes glinting with amusement.

Cassius paused mid-sip of his coffee, raising a brow. "Arnold, you’re a decent man in many ways, but this stinginess? Can you tone it down?"

"You’re Emeric Ashbourne’s son. A few million dollars is pocket change to you, isn’t it?" Arnold shot back.

"Stingy? When have I ever been stingy with Evadne?" Arnold huffed, looking genuinely offended.

"Exactly. Only with Evadne are you generous. With everyone else? Not so much."

Cassius smirked, taking another sip. "Isn’t this for Evadne too?"

Arnold grinned. "We both played our parts. You handled the outside, I took care of the inside. You did most of the heavy lifting—I wouldn’t dream of stealing your credit. Besides, you’re older. Shouldn’t you be looking out for me?"

Cassius chuckled and gave him a light smack on the back. "You’ve gotten sharper as a prosecutor."

Arnold’s phone buzzed just as he was about to pull it out.

"Speak of the devil—Aaron’s calling."

He answered immediately. "Aaron, how’s it going on your end?"

"Evelyn’s in custody. The bastard who hurt Evadne? He’s next," Aaron growled, his voice rough with anger. "Don’t worry—I’ll make sure he pays."

Suri Bright Ashbourne had three children—each formidable in their own right.

Hubery Waverley, the elite pilot.

Daryl Ashbourne, the future First Lady of Helgen.

And Aaron, who had dreamed of being a cop since childhood. Now, he was captain of Elmsworth’s first detective squad.

"Good! Beat him until he can’t hurt anyone ever again!" Arnold’s excitement flared, punching the car window in emphasis. "Can’t the police use… creative interrogation methods? Prosecutors don’t have that luxury. Don’t waste this chance to make him suffer!"

Cassius sighed, shaking his head.

The Ashbourne women were elegant, refined.

The men? Brutal. Unrelenting. More ruthless than even Cassius, who had spent years in the underworld.

Cassius, Arnold, and Aaron—working together.

Anyone they targeted was doomed.

Meanwhile, Thaddeus had abandoned everything to rush to the hospital where Mr. Hamilton was being treated. Jareth, unable to stop him, followed close behind.

Mr. Hamilton was the only person in the Abernathy family who truly cared for Thaddeus.

The only one who treated him like family.

Thaddeus ran like a man possessed, his throat raw as he muttered Mr. Hamilton’s name under his breath.

When he burst into the corridor, he saw Evadne sitting on a bench, cradling Mari in her arms. The scene was serene, almost ethereal—like a painting.

Her lashes lowered as she gently stroked the girl’s hair, her expression peaceful, radiating quiet strength.

She was always there when someone needed her.

A pang of guilt struck him.

Thank God she was here.

Hearing his footsteps, Evadne lifted her gaze.

For a fleeting moment, warmth flickered in her clear eyes—just long enough to send his heart racing.

Then it vanished, replaced by icy detachment.

"Is the birthday party over? You left everything behind to come here, Mr. Thaddeus. How… noble."

Her words weren’t cruel, but they cut deep.

He approached slowly, regret heavy in his eyes.

Evadne looked away, wishing she could shut him out completely. "Mr. Hamilton is resting. Mr. Murray is with him. You can wait outside."

"Evadne… I’m sorry." His voice was rough with emotion.

"Sorry for who? Me?" She laughed bitterly. "Thaddeus, the person you should be apologizing to is Mr. Hamilton. The man who just nearly died. Not me. We’re nothing to each other."

"Mr. Hamilton cared for you. The least you could do is be here for him when he needs you. I was here this time. What about next time? Luck won’t always be on his side."

Her voice cracked. "I just… wish I could stay with him. Take care of him."

Thaddeus’s chest tightened. His apology meant nothing to her.

It was worthless.

"Thad!"

Jareth’s voice cut through the tension. He shot Evadne a wary glance before gripping Thaddeus’s arm. "Outside. Now. We need to talk."