Chapter 229

Thaddeus and Isabella's hearts lurched in unison, their gazes snapping toward Evadne.

Both harbored deep affection for her and immediately recognized her distress. Without hesitation, they withdrew from the bidding, raising their hands in surrender. The auctioneer, ever perceptive, wasted no time in declaring Evadne the winner, securing the necklace for her amidst thunderous applause.

Yet Evadne remained impassive, her expression unreadable.

"Evadne bought the counterfeit we planted! Does she realize it's fake?" Glynnis whispered frantically, her pulse racing.

"Quiet! Do you want everyone to hear?" Elspeth snapped, her eyes burning with resentment. "Of course she doesn't know. She'd never expect a fake at her own event. She just donated a fortune to your charity."

"But what if she finds out?" Glynnis fretted.

"Once it leaves here, it's not your problem. Who's to say it wasn't swapped? Or that she's trying to frame you?" Elspeth hissed venomously.

Ada smirked with satisfaction as she watched Evadne overpay for her donated necklace.

Perhaps Evadne still clung to hopes of collaboration. Why else would she go to such lengths?

At that moment, Evadne's bright eyes darkened. She texted Jason, then adjusted her seating with the poised anticipation of an audience member awaiting a spectacle.

When the velvet cover was lifted, the auctioneer's rehearsed speech faltered. He stared at the teardrop diamond in the display case, then back at his notes. Something was wrong.

As the spotlight illuminated the jewelry, gasps rippled through the crowd.

"Isn't that the necklace Ada just donated?"

"It's identical!"

"Impossible! Alea's pieces are one-of-a-kind. How can there be duplicates?"

"Then one must be fake!"

The room buzzed with speculation, fingers pointing at the displayed necklace.

Ada leaned forward, stunned, as if struck by lightning.

Elspeth and Glynnis clutched each other's hands, Glynnis' spine prickling with cold sweat.

Her gift to Ada was counterfeit.

Which meant only one thing—the necklace on stage was genuine.

"Ms. Evadne," Iris asked with genuine concern rather than accusation, "didn't you authenticate the items beforehand? How could this happen?"

"Who's truly at fault here, Ms. Iris? Me, or Ms. Ada?" Evadne countered with a knowing smile.

Iris gasped. "This necklace—could it be—?"

As murmurs swelled, Evadne rose gracefully and approached the stage.

Thaddeus watched her, his heart hammering beneath his tailored suit, skin burning with anticipation.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Evadne began with a deep bow, "as host of the Ethereal Vogue gala, I apologize for this disruption to your evening."

The room hushed.

"Secondly," she continued, lips curving, "the 'Whispering Waters' necklace was my personal donation."

The crowd turned as one to Ada, who sat frozen, desperately seeking Glynnis' help.

But Glynnis could only stare helplessly at Edith's empty seat—she'd already fled.

Evadne surveyed the ridiculous charade with amusement. "Ms. Ada, I wasn't aware you'd be donating this piece tonight. Quite the coincidence. I hope there are no misunderstandings."

"President Ashbourne," Ada demanded, her composure cracking, "why do you possess a Whispering Waters necklace?"

"The real question, Ms. Ada, isn't why I have it—but why yours is counterfeit," Evadne replied, her smile vanishing.

The room erupted in shock.

Elspeth maintained her facade, but Glynnis turned ghostly pale.

"My necklace was a gift from the Abernathy Group! How dare you accuse me—" Ada protested.

"Ms. Evadne," Elspeth interjected sharply, "you'd better have proof before slandering my daughter's reputation!"

"I wouldn't make such claims without evidence," Evadne said calmly, eyes glinting mischievously.

Thaddeus straightened, captivated by her fox-like smirk—once irritating, now endearing.

"Miss Evadne! Where's your proof?"

"Ada's a seasoned collector—wouldn't she spot a fake?"

"Exactly! You can't just—"

The protests died as the grand doors burst open.

All heads turned.

A striking blonde entered, her heels clicking authoritatively.

Thaddeus did a double take. Liva? Here?

"It's Liva! Alea Studio's director!" someone exclaimed.

"Perfect! Who better to authenticate Alea's work?"

Under the crowd's watchful gaze, Liva approached Evadne, who greeted her warmly.

"Liva."

To everyone's astonishment, Liva took Evadne's hand and pressed a reverent kiss to it—the highest sign of respect in Aetheria.

"Forgive my tardiness, Miss Alea," Liva murmured.