Chapter 454

Isabella gasped. Only now did she notice the blinking green light hidden in the corner. A camera had been recording the entire time—without her knowledge, the Fairhaven family’s smug denials and Nathan’s brutish behavior had been broadcast live!

Everything had unfolded so stealthily that even someone as detail-oriented as Isabella had missed it.

The live chat exploded. Viewer numbers skyrocketed past five million.

[Unbelievable! The Fairhaven Group is ruthless! They’d harm animals just to win? And they nearly killed Ms. Sinclair! That’s criminal!]

[Disgusting! Morally bankrupt! They’ve hit rock bottom!]

[The Fairhaven family is rotten. Barry started as a dockworker hauling sacks before clawing his way up through sheer ruthlessness. No wonder they’re shameless!]

[Exactly! Comparing them to the Sinclair dynasty is laughable. Victoria trying to measure up to Isabella? Like reaching for the moon on tiptoes!]

[Ugh, why does Alexander Kingsley have to be tied to them? He’s too gorgeous for this mess!]

[Since when do looks determine morality? Though, I admit, Alexander is very easy on the eyes.]

Lucas had planned the live stream long before the confrontation, giving Alexander a heads-up.

At first, Lucas hesitated, but Alexander merely waved a dismissive hand. "Go for it. Make it explosive. Nathan’s got high blood pressure—if this lands him in bed for weeks, I owe you one."

Lucas smirked. "Always the rebel. But remember, public opinion can lift you up or drown you."

Alexander flicked his cigarette. "I used to think I was one of them. Now? The Fairhavens can rot. I’m my own man."

The broadcast shattered the Fairhavens’ arrogance. Victoria watched as her family was torn apart online. Instead of worrying about her doting grandfather, she was relieved Daniel hadn’t thrown her under the bus.

At least she kept her composure—unlike Penelope, who panicked so badly she wet herself. That would’ve been humiliating.

Margaret Fairhaven couldn’t handle the scandal. Drenched in sweat, she swayed on her feet.

"Grandpa Barry, Uncle Nathan, Mom needs a hospital—now!" Victoria didn’t wait for permission before ushering her mother out, flanked by bodyguards, tail between her legs.

In the parking lot, Margaret’s color returned—half from relief, half from escaping further humiliation. "Daniel’s always so careful. How could he act so recklessly?" she muttered.

Victoria patted her back, eyes icy. "He probably just wanted to put the Sinclairs in their place. But now? He’s the perfect scapegoat. If we pin everything on him, the fallout won’t touch us."

Margaret shook her head. "It’s not that simple. The live stream exposed everything. Even if Daniel acted alone, he’s still a Fairhaven. Our stock will plummet tomorrow."

Victoria feigned concern but inwardly gloated. The Fairhaven fortune was already secure for her and Margaret. Let Barry and Nathan clean up their own mess.

A sharp tap on the window startled her. She looked up into Alexander’s glacial stare.

"Victoria. Out. Now." His voice was steel.

Margaret bristled. "Alexander, she’s your sister. Must you be so harsh?"

"Out." His tone brooked no argument.

Victoria stepped out, keeping their conversation out of earshot.

"Been too busy with your little puppet to notice the storm at home?" Alexander sneered.

Victoria examined her nails, feigning indifference. "Why don’t you run back to her? She’s probably sobbing without you."

"Watch your mouth." Alexander loomed over her, eyes blazing. "Be grateful I still tolerate you. Push me, and you’ll end up like Glynnis. Test me."

Her pulse spiked, but she lifted her chin. "What do you want?"

"I know it was you. You pulled Daniel’s strings."

Her lips curled. "Prove it."

His fist slammed into the wall beside her head. "No one stays lucky forever, Victoria. Daniel took the fall for you, but not everyone will. You’ll drown in your own schemes."

She laughed. "Hurt me, and Mom won’t survive the shock. Are you willing to lose her too?"

Alexander’s muscles tensed, veins bulging with fury.

Inside, Barry and Nathan were seething. Their reputation was in tatters.

"We can’t leave!" Barry’s grip on his cane trembled. "Walking away now is surrender!"

So he stood before millions, severing ties with Daniel to salvage their name. "Daniel, I took you in as family. How could you betray us? Chairman Emeric, Mr. Lucas, we accept full responsibility."

Isabella smirked. Moments ago, they’d defended Daniel. Now? They’d tossed him aside like trash.

Lucas wasn’t satisfied. Arm around Isabella, he said coldly, "An apology is due."

Nathan bristled. "We’ve handed over the culprit! What more do you want?"

Adrian stepped in smoothly. "Mr. Fairhaven, Duke crippled a prized racehorse and injured Isabella. An apology isn’t just expected—it’s necessary."

The live chat erupted.

[Who’s this gorgeous man? Adrian Chambers? He’s always defending Isabella!]

[If I were her, I’d pick Adrian over Lucas. Regret won’t change the past.]

[Three years of marriage is enough. Trade up for a younger, hotter man!]

Barry’s veins pulsed with rage. He’d never been so humiliated.

Margaret hissed, "Why is Adrian interfering? He’s dragging the Chambers family into this!"

Sebastian’s gaze was icy. "He’s playing both sides. Stealing Lucas’s thunder while currying favor with Emeric."

Ultimately, Barry swallowed his pride and apologized.

The Fairhavens left in disgrace, their stock destined to crash. The day’s scandals—Victoria’s scheming, Isabella’s fall, Penelope’s humiliation, the Fairhavens’ sabotage—would fuel gossip for years.

As they departed, Emeric clapped Adrian’s shoulder. "Thank you. If the Fairhavens retaliate, tell me. You stood by Isabella—I won’t forget it."

Adrian smiled modestly, but Isabella cut in coldly, "Emeric, are you senile? He wasn’t even here from the start. Don’t be ridiculous."