Chapter 107

The crowd pressed in from all sides as Isabella Delaney stood frozen in place. Her fingers twisted the delicate fabric of her designer dress into knots.

A cold dread settled in her chest. Something terrible was about to happen.

"Grandfather..." Her voice cracked with desperation. She couldn't bear the thought of public humiliation from Alistair Delaney.

But the old man's expression remained stony. His life's work - the Delaney Corporation - meant more than family ties.

"Ms. Carter," Alistair declared loudly, "I assure you Isabella will face consequences for her actions."

The once-proud businessman now stood meek before Evelyn Carter, all traces of his former authority gone.

Evelyn tilted her chin upward, her silence more powerful than words.

Without warning, Alistair seized Isabella's arm and dragged her forward. "Apologize to Ms. Carter immediately!"

"Grandfather!" Isabella resisted weakly.

An apology here would destroy her social standing forever. The whispers had already begun circulating through the elite crowd.

"Do it now." Alistair's patience had evaporated.

Isabella understood her precarious position. Without the Delaney name, she'd be nothing.

Gritting her teeth, she swallowed her pride. "I... I'm sorry."

Olivia Sinclair scoffed loudly. "After everything you've done? Grace nearly died because of you!"

The murmurs grew louder.

"Mr. Delaney should be terrified. Attempted murder carries serious prison time."

"Apologies don't erase crimes."

"If I were Evelyn, I'd have her arrested already."

Isabella's face drained of color. "I'm not some cheap mistress!" she shrieked, scanning the crowd desperately.

Her eyes locked onto Nathan Sterling. He was her last hope.

She lunged forward, clinging to his arm. "Nathan! Tell them! You didn't even know Evelyn when we met!"

Nathan remained impassive, his cold gaze fixed on Evelyn's indifferent expression. Her calm demeanor only deepened his resentment.

With brutal efficiency, Nathan shoved Isabella away.

"Nathan!" She stumbled backward, landing hard on the marble floor.

A sharp pain shot through her abdomen, but she had bigger concerns.

"Please, explain to everyone!" she begged from her knees.

Disheveled and weeping, Isabella looked like a tragic clown. Nathan regarded her with detached indifference.

The spectators watched with cold amusement, enjoying the spectacle.

"Someone take her to the police station immediately," Alistair commanded, his voice heavy with false righteousness.

Isabella scrambled to her feet. "No! Please, Grandfather, don't do this!"

Alistair turned away as security moved in.

"Nathan! Help me! Grandfather, please!"

Her desperate cries fell on deaf ears as the guards seized her arms.

She fought against their grip, but their strength made resistance futile. The crowd parted as they dragged her away, her screams echoing through the grand hall.