Chapter 105

"In the coming weeks, Kingsley Industries will initiate legal proceedings against every media outlet involved in defaming my sister."

Dominic's voice cut through the ballroom like ice. His piercing gaze briefly locked onto Alistair across the crowded hall.

Alistair Delaney stood frozen, champagne flute slipping through his fingers. The glass shattered at his feet as realization dawned - the woman he'd tried to destroy now had the full might of the Kingsley empire behind her.

The assembled journalists gasped. This wasn't just damage control - it was a declaration of war.

Pamore's entertainment landscape would never be the same.

Meanwhile, Natalie Reeves' GEM Magazine broke the exclusive story revealing Evelyn Carter's true identity and the Calico Foundation's charitable work.

Public opinion shifted instantly.

"Unbelievable! What cosmic karma makes someone both ridiculously wealthy and kind-hearted? I need her life!"

"That Sterling fool must be blind. Dumping a goddess for that plain-looking mistress?"

"Karma's coming for them hard. You love to see it."

"Serious question - does Evelyn have any long-lost siblings? I feel we'd be soulmates."

As Evelyn descended the stage with Dominic, Alistair rushed forward with forced cheer. "Mr. Kingsley! Had I known your relationship with Ms. Carter-"

"Save your breath," Leonard Kingsley snapped. "Your family's crimes against my granddaughter won't be forgiven with pretty words."

Dominic's grip tightened on his sister's arm. "Hired thugs. Slander campaigns. That staged car accident. The Delaneys will answer for everything."

Alistair's smile turned desperate. "Those were rogue employees! I knew nothing-"

"Really?" Evelyn's musical voice held dangerous amusement. "Because I distinctly recall your threats over the phone. Something about exposing me to my grandfather?"

Alistair's face drained of color. His gamble had spectacularly backfired.

"Ms. Carter, please - once Isabella delivers her child, I'll ensure she faces justice. Compensation for your suffering, retractions of every false story-"

"You think money fixes this?" Leonard's roar silenced the room. "The Kingsleys don't need your blood money."

Evelyn stepped forward, tapping Alistair's lapel with one manicured finger. "You're absolutely certain you want to make amends?"

"One hundred percent!"

"Maxwell?" Evelyn called sweetly.

Her brother's right-hand man appeared with a red velvet pouch. When he tipped out Alistair's prized diamond signet ring, the old man's knees buckled.

The same ring he'd worn during every underhanded deal. The one that never left his finger.

Until now.