Chapter 347

The grand ballroom doors burst open as armed soldiers stormed in with military precision.

A stunned silence fell over the glittering crowd. The soldiers swiftly secured the perimeter while Liam Blackwood ascended the stage flanked by two armed officers.

"General Blackwood, explain this outrage!" Nathaniel Winslow snarled from the center stage.

Liam remained impassive, ignoring the furious demand.

Reginald Winslow approached with a politician's smile that didn't reach his eyes. "General, this is my son's engagement celebration. Bringing armed forces here is highly inappropriate."

The steel in Liam's gaze never wavered.

Theodore Graves swaggered forward, police insignia glinting. "You're overstepping your jurisdiction, General. Fraud cases fall under my department."

"Is that so?" Liam's voice cut like ice.

Ryan Sullivan exchanged a glance with Liam before roughly detaining Victoria Dawson, forcing her to her knees beside Loretta. Victoria's screams pierced the air.

"Stop! Release her this instant!" Margaret Hoffis beat her frail hands against Ryan's armored vest.

Reginald's face purpled with rage. "This is Aldenria! You can't make arrests without cause!"

Theodore looked ready to draw his weapon. "Liam Blackwood! You'll answer for this!"

Liam's voice carried across the silent hall. "She's not just a fraud. She's a Valtorian spy."

Reginald staggered back as if struck. Theodore's jaw went slack. The revelation sent shockwaves through the elite gathering.

"Dear God... espionage carries the death penalty!"

"No wonder the Defense Ministry mobilized!"

"Reginald's future daughter-in-law is an enemy agent! His political career is finished!"

"Do you think he was complicit?"

Reginald's arrogant demeanor crumbled. "General, this isn't... this can't be serious!"

Liam's glacial stare answered him.

"I had no knowledge of this!" Reginald babbled. "Nathaniel only met her twice! Investigate thoroughly!"

Dismissing the panicking officials, Liam approached the trembling Margaret. Taking her shaking hands, he said gently, "Madam Hoffis, this woman isn't your granddaughter."

Margaret's world spun. Tears blurred her vision as she watched Victoria being restrained. Her heart shattered at the sight.

"Grandmother, please! It's me, Victoria!" the imposter wailed.

Caught between disbelief and despair, Margaret covered her face, her sobs echoing through the hall. Archibald couldn't bear her denial any longer and stormed out in disgust.

Ryan marched Victoria out at gunpoint, the soldiers forming an impenetrable escort.

The society event of the year ended in scandal. News outlets would be buzzing within the hour.

Dorothy Simmons collapsed to the marble floor, staring blankly at Evelyn. The truth had been staring her in the face all along - Evelyn's kindness, intelligence, and gentle nature were nothing like the cruel imposter.

She'd clung to those DNA results like gospel. Now the devastating truth left her hollow.