Chapter 309

Mia's shrill voice cut through the elegant ambiance like a jagged knife.

"Let me in! I have an invitation, you imbeciles!"

Nydia froze mid-step, her blood running cold. That voice—she'd recognize it anywhere.

Mia.

Dressed in a cheap knockoff of a designer gown, Mia was making a scene at the entrance, waving a gold-embossed card in the security's faces.

Nydia's stomach twisted.

How had Mia gotten here? And why?

"Miss, this invitation is invalid," the guard stated firmly, blocking her path.

"Invalid? Are you blind?" Mia screeched, shoving the card at him. "This was personally given to me by—"

"By whom?"

A smooth, icy voice sliced through the commotion.

Evadne.

Dressed in a sleek black gown that shimmered like liquid night, she stepped forward, her presence commanding immediate silence.

Mia's bravado faltered.

Up close, Evadne was even more breathtaking—her sharp features, the effortless grace, the way her gaze pinned Mia like a butterfly to a board.

"Miss Ashbourne," the guard bowed. "This woman is attempting entry with a counterfeit invitation."

Evadne plucked the card from Mia's trembling fingers, examining it with a bored flick of her wrist.

"Ah." A slow, dangerous smile curved her lips. "How interesting."

Mia bristled. "It's not fake! K Group sent it to me!"

"Did they?" Evadne's laugh was soft, mocking. "Then perhaps you should inform them they forgot our family's seal."

Nydia's pulse pounded.

Evadne was toying with Mia, and Mia was too stupid to realize it.

Jason moved to Evadne's side, his expression unreadable. "Shall I have her removed?"

"Not yet." Evadne tilted her head. "I'm curious—who told you this would work?"

Mia's confidence wavered. "I—I don't know what you're talking about."

"Liar." Evadne's smile vanished. "You're here because someone promised you access. Who?"

Mia's gaze darted to Nydia, then back. "Mr. Chambers arranged it."

A beat of silence.

Evadne's eyes gleamed. "Ah. Matthew Chambers."

Nydia's breath hitched.

Jason's jaw tightened.

Mia, sensing she'd misstepped, scrambled to recover. "He—he wanted me here! As his guest!"

Evadne sighed. "Pathetic." She handed the fake invitation to Jason. "Call the police."

Mia blanched. "You can't—!"

"I can." Evadne's voice dropped to a whisper. "And I will."

Mia lunged—not at Evadne, but at Nydia. "This is your fault! You worthless—!"

Jason intercepted her, wrenching her arm back with a sharp twist. Mia yelped.

Nydia flinched.

Evadne stepped between them, shielding Nydia. "Touch my sister again," she murmured, "and I'll break every bone in your hand."

Mia's face drained of color. "S-sister?"

Evadne smirked. "Surprise."

The realization hit Mia like a freight train.

Nydia—the girl she'd bullied, mocked, tormented—was an Ashbourne.

A princess.

And Mia had just signed her own ruin.

"Take her away," Evadne ordered.

As security dragged Mia off, her screams fading into the night, Nydia exhaled shakily.

Evadne squeezed her shoulder. "You okay?"

Nydia nodded, blinking back tears. "Thank you."

Evadne winked. "Anytime, little sister."

Across the ballroom, unseen, Matthew Chambers watched—his grip tightening around his champagne flute.

Game on.