Chapter 343

Evelyn turned to Nathaniel with a piercing gaze. "Mr. Winslow, don't you want to know if your fiancée is an imposter?"

Reginald Winslow, Nathaniel's father, stepped forward with thunderous authority. "Unless you can prove these outrageous claims, young lady, you'll be spending the next decade behind bars!"

Victoria clutched Nathaniel's arm, her voice trembling. "Make her leave! She'll destroy everything we've built."

Nathaniel patted her hand reassuringly. "Truth has nothing to fear from scrutiny. If she's lying, I'll handle it personally. Let's hear what she has to say."

Evelyn's lips curved slightly. His response confirmed her suspicions - he had no idea the woman beside him was both a fraud and an Obsidian Circle operative. Her finger hovered over the remote's next button.

The screen flickered to life, displaying a family portrait of the Hoffis clan from a decade prior. There stood young Victoria at fourteen, flanked by her grandparents, parents, and Julian - frozen in time before her supposed overseas studies.

Margaret Hoffis staggered toward the stage, fury radiating from her frail frame. She tried to rush to Victoria's defense, but Archibald restrained her with surprising strength.

"That treacherous girl!" Margaret spat, her voice shaking with rage. "She lived under our roof as Suzanne's friend, and now she dares accuse our Victoria? I won't stand for this!"

Archibald held his wife firmly, his expression grim. "Patience, my love. The truth will reveal itself."

"How can you say that? Our granddaughter is being slandered!"

A shadow crossed Archibald's weathered face. "Open your eyes, woman! That's not our blood standing there!"

Before Margaret could respond, Archibald gestured toward the stage's edge. "Your true granddaughter is here. Just watch."

The crowd gasped as Cassandra Wright ascended the steps with regal composure.

The resemblance between Cassandra and the young girl in the photograph was uncanny. Victoria's facade cracked momentarily before she regained control. "That's Suzanne! Not me!"

Cassandra's voice remained steady. "Interesting accusation. I never claimed to be Victoria."

The music cut abruptly. Every eye in the grand ballroom locked onto the stage, the air thick with anticipation. Who was telling the truth? The mysterious accusers or the blushing bride?

Victoria knew retreat wasn't an option. She advanced toward Cassandra, their gazes locking in silent combat. The tension between them could have powered the city for a week.

"Suzanne?" Cassandra Blake whispered, her champagne flute slipping from numb fingers.

Penelope Hart clutched her sister's arm. "It can't be..."

Isabella Sinclair's eyes narrowed. "First she ruined Victoria's chance with Liam, now she's sabotaging this engagement? What game is she playing?"

The whispers swirled through the crowd like a gathering storm.

Victoria's voice dripped venom. "How dare you call me an imposter? I have DNA proof and family videos!"

She signaled to her maid of honor, who produced a tablet with trembling hands.

The screen displayed an intimate family moment - Victoria and her parents gathered on a plush sofa, their expressions carefully arranged. "Happy birthday, Dad," the couple chorused.

"Happy birthday, Grandpa," Victoria added sweetly before leading them in an off-key rendition of "Happy Birthday." The video ended with the trio offering stiff congratulations to Archibald.

The crowd erupted. Everyone recognized Victoria's parents. The video evidence seemed irrefutable.

Victoria lifted her chin triumphantly. "As you can see, I have both genetic proof and family records. I am Victoria Dawson, beyond any doubt!"