Chapter 148

The others quickly abandoned their meals and hurried after them.

The side wing's grand reception hall was where the Blackwoods hosted their most prestigious events. The cavernous space glittered with crystal chandeliers and polished marble floors.

A crowd had already gathered - press photographers with their lenses poised, legal teams in sharp suits, art connoisseurs from prestigious institutions, and even several celebrated critics. Isabella Grayson and her assistant were the first VIPs to arrive.

Isabella froze at the unexpected spectacle. She'd anticipated a private family meeting, not this circus of flashing cameras. Turning on her heel, she made to leave immediately.

But fate intervened after two steps. Evelyn Carter stood blocking the exit, having just entered through the arched doorway.

"Ms. Grayson?" Evelyn called out, recognition flashing across her features from their prior video confrontation. "Leaving so soon?"

Isabella spun around, her displeasure evident.

At the mention of her name, reporters swarmed like sharks to blood, cameras whirring as they encircled both women.

Evelyn stepped forward with unshakable confidence. "I'm Evelyn Carter. The woman who replicated your work. My sister-in-law then sold the forgery for five million."

Isabella's eyes narrowed as she studied the striking woman before her. A cold sweat formed at her temples. "So it was you?"

"Indeed." Evelyn's smile never wavered.

Isabella swallowed hard, forcing nonchalance into her voice. "Consider the matter closed. Return the proceeds, and I'll donate them to charity instead of pressing charges."

Evelyn arched an eyebrow. Did this pretender truly believe such a feeble offer would suffice?

Meanwhile, art professors and critics pushed through the crowd to fawn over Isabella. Their obsequious compliments hung thick in the air.

Isabella accepted their adulation with practiced grace, shaking each hand while stealing glances at Evelyn.

The Blackwood family arrived en masse but remained spectators at the periphery.

Beatrice Thornton swept forward, her smile saccharine. "Isabella darling! I'm Beatrice Thornton - your hostess today. You're even more radiant in person!"

Isabella forced a smile. "Ms. Thornton, the pleasure is mine. Your reputation precedes you."

Beatrice preened before gesturing dismissively at Evelyn. "This impostor here actually had the audacity to-"

"I'm aware," Isabella interrupted coolly.

Beatrice lowered her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. "My legal team stands ready. Crush her publicly. Better yet, see her imprisoned."

Isabella's gaze turned calculating as she signaled her lawyers forward.

The legal team descended on Evelyn, rattling off potential charges as cameras captured every moment.

Evelyn remained unshakable, her posture regal amidst the storm.

Suddenly the doors burst open. Ryan Sullivan entered with a cadre of armed soldiers, his voice cutting through the chaos like a blade. "Who dares harass General Blackwood's wife? Have you all lost your minds?"

The room collectively held its breath.

Isabella gripped Beatrice's arm, her nails digging in. "You said the General requested my help! Why wasn't I told she's his wife? Why is the military involved?"

Beatrice paled. "I never imagined he'd deploy troops over some woman!"

Evelyn's heart swelled at the show of force, yet concern quickly followed. This spectacle would fuel endless gossip.

She turned to find Liam Blackwood watching with stormy eyes. Approaching him, she placed a gentle hand on his arm. "Liam, don't wield your rank as a weapon. This is my battle to fight."

Beatrice's panicked whisper carried. "I never thought he'd mobilize the army for her!"

Evelyn met Liam's gaze steadily. "Let me stand on my own merits today."