Chapter 291

Evelyn was mortified, yet the true humiliation was just beginning.

From across the grand hall, Seraphina observed Evelyn's predicament with cold amusement, flanked by her usual entourage of bodyguards.

Evelyn looked up to meet Seraphina's icy gaze, her stomach twisting with dread.

"Explain this disgrace," Seraphina commanded her guards, voice dripping with contempt. "How did this gutter trash slip past security? She's an embarrassment to the Kensington name. Remove her immediately."

Evelyn's face burned with rage. "This is Olivia's welcome banquet! Who gave you the right—"

"Right?" Seraphina's laugh was sharp as broken glass. "Let me ask you something, Evelyn. Who do you think you are now that Liam's been disowned? The way you dropped him the moment he lost his fortune—tell me, how many people here actually respect you?"

Olivia had been approaching when the words struck her like a physical blow. Liam... disowned? Her steps faltered. That explained why Evelyn had arrived tonight with another man on her arm, proudly introducing him as her boyfriend.

She'd assumed it was just another lovers' quarrel. Not this.

Oddly, the revelation brought no satisfaction. Instead, Olivia felt an unexpected pang—remembering Liam's proud bearing, imagining the depth of his current humiliation.

With a quiet sigh, Olivia turned away. This wasn't her battle to fight.

A sharp gesture from Seraphina sent her guards moving. They seized Evelyn mid-protest, dragging her toward the exits as she screamed obscenities.

Though Seraphina's methods were extreme, no one intervened. Several guests reported the incident to Alistair, who merely smiled faintly. "Let the young settle their own disputes," he murmured. "An old man shouldn't interfere."

Evelyn was thrown out before Crestwood's elite, her disgrace immortalized by flashing cameras. The reporters might not know the full story yet, but tomorrow's headlines would ensure all of high society did.

Clenching her fists, Evelyn seethed—never imagining she'd experience the same humiliation she'd once inflicted on Olivia.

Meanwhile, Olivia returned to Alistair's side, her expression troubled.

"Are you unwell?" Alistair asked gently.

Olivia gestured quickly: "I need air."

Understanding, Alistair nodded to a nearby guard, who fell into step behind her as she moved toward the terrace.