Chapter 104

Only fifteen paces stood between Isabella and the raised platform, yet the distance felt insurmountable.

She had always prided herself on being the privileged heiress of the Delaney fortune. But in this moment, she realized how utterly small she appeared.

"Good evening everyone," Evelyn Carter announced with effortless grace, her smile radiant under the spotlight. "Thank you for joining my grandfather's birthday celebration."

"You've all heard the rumors circulating about me recently," she continued, pausing deliberately.

The reporters' cameras flashed wildly, capturing this bombshell revelation.

Evelyn Carter, the managing director of Kingsley Industries' Pamore branch, was Leonard Kingsley's granddaughter!

The crowd gasped. They had assumed her relationship with Dominic Kingsley was romantic. No one imagined they were siblings.

Now they noticed the striking family resemblance between them.

Evelyn's expression turned serious. "I must clarify that Maxwell and I are simply childhood friends. Our friendship predates my relationship with..."

Her gaze flickered to Nathan Sterling and Isabella before continuing, "As for my marriage to Mr. Sterling, That chapter is closed. I'd appreciate if everyone could respect our privacy."

She spoke with dignified composure, showing none of the awkwardness typical of divorced couples.

The contrast was stark. Here stood the ex-wife making a graceful statement, while her cheating husband attended with his pregnant mistress.

Camera lenses immediately swiveled toward Nathan and Isabella.

Nathan remained stoic, but Isabella squirmed under the sudden media scrutiny.

Public opinion was shifting rapidly, and her reputation as the other woman would only deteriorate further.

Suddenly, reporters' phones began buzzing simultaneously. Their expressions turned to shock as they read the notifications.

"Ms. Carter!" one journalist called out. "We've just received confirmation that you're—"

Evelyn blinked in surprise, realizing Sophia's warning about her identity being exposed had come true.

She smiled warmly. "Yes, it's true. I am The Calico."

"What inspired your decade-long charity work for children with cleft palates in mountain regions?" another reporter pressed.

Evelyn's smile softened. "That's personal. I simply hope others will join me in supporting these children through action, not just words."

She continued firmly, "Additionally, I must address another rumor. I attended Royal Academy from age five, and the bullying allegations are completely false."

"The edited video footage will be sent to your media outlets shortly with identities protected."

"Of course, Ms. Carter," the reporters nodded eagerly. "We'll issue corrections immediately."

It was impossible to reconcile the image of a cruel bully with this compassionate woman beloved by underprivileged children.

First shocked by her royal lineage, the crowd now stood in awe of her genuine nobility.

The truth became clear - Evelyn had been innocent all along, victimized by false accusations.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Dominic Kingsley stepped forward. "I have an additional announcement. I'm transferring all my shares to Evelyn and nominating her as—"

The crowd erupted before he could finish.

This meant Evelyn wouldn't just be the granddaughter of the world's wealthiest man - she'd become president of its top corporation!

A status beyond most people's wildest dreams.