Chapter 149

Liam Blackwood gazed into Evelyn Carter's crystalline eyes and noticed an undeniable transformation. The self-assurance radiating from her gaze was magnetic, her former hesitation completely vanished.

No matter the outcome, Liam resolved to stand firmly behind Evelyn. He would be her unshakable pillar of support.

"Very well," Liam responded, exchanging a meaningful glance with Ryan Sullivan.

Ryan immediately understood, directing the soldiers to withdraw beyond the doorway.

Isabella Grayson's confidence wavered visibly. Turning to the press, she announced, "Ladies and gentlemen, I appreciate your efforts today. I've decided to drop all accusations regarding Ms. Carter allegedly plagiarizing my work and selling it for five million dollars under my name."

Beatrice Thornton's face darkened as she seized Isabella's arm. "What are you doing?" she hissed. "This wasn't our agreement!"

Isabella whispered urgently, "Can't you see? General Blackwood clearly supports his wife. I can't risk his displeasure."

Beatrice scoffed, "Afraid he'll abuse his authority? With all these reporters here? Don't be ridiculous - he wouldn't dare."

The journalists immediately pressed forward. "Ms. Grayson, even if you're withdrawing your complaint, art fraud remains a criminal offense. Shouldn't this still be reported to authorities?"

Beatrice eagerly interjected, "Absolutely it should! Five million dollars isn't pocket change - this is serious fraud!"

The crowd erupted in agreement.

"Police involvement is necessary!"

"This can't be swept under the rug!"

"Identity theft or not, the buyer was defrauded!"

"This is clearly criminal!"

Several reporters discreetly activated live streams, their viewer counts skyrocketing as Isabella's fans flooded the broadcasts. Comments poured in faster than anyone could read.

Operating covertly, the journalists avoided engaging with viewers, fearing the Aldenrian soldiers might confiscate equipment or worse - provoke the powerful figures present.

Evelyn approached Isabella with a serene smile. "There's something I've been meaning to ask you."

Isabella stiffened. "Go ahead."

"You claim to be Isabella Grayson," Evelyn began, "yet you refused to show your face for years. You anonymously livestreamed your painting process while donating all proceeds to charity."

Her voice grew sharper. "Then after three years' absence, you reappeared - no longer painting publicly, but selling artwork commercially, endollarsing products, and attending paid events exclusively. Tell me - did you continue your charitable donations?"

Isabella remained silent, her discomfort palpable.

Her assistant snapped, "Stop moralizing! Isabella donated when her family was wealthy. Now that they've fallen on hard times, she's entitled to profit from her talent!"

Evelyn pointed directly at Isabella, addressing the cameras deliberately. "I'm not moralizing. I'm stating facts - this woman is an impostor."

Gasps rippled through the crowd.

Legal representatives rushed forward. "Ms. Carter! Such defamatory statements are actionable!"

The room buzzed with whispered speculation.

Liam couldn't tear his eyes from Evelyn. Her confidence was mesmerizing, her transformation striking.

In the shadows, Victoria Dawson observed everything, her stomach twisting as she recognized the raw adoration in Liam's gaze. Her worst fears were materializing.

Evelyn addressed the crowd calmly. "This isn't defamation."

Beatrice stepped forward aggressively. "Isabella has social media accounts and artworks as proof! Not only are you the fraud here, but now you're slandering her? Prepare for prison!"

Evelyn retrieved her phone calmly. "I'm placing a call. Listen carefully, and everything will become clear."

"What call?" someone demanded.

Evelyn didn't respond. As the line connected, she activated speakerphone.

Reporters surged forward, recording devices at the ready.