Chapter 370

Danielle pressed her lips into a thin line, her fists clenched so tight her knuckles turned white. There wasn't an ounce of regret in her voice—only defiance. "So what if I did it? I can't stand her. She doesn't deserve an easy life. The more you defend her, the more it makes me sick. I hate her."

"Danielle, you—"

Gregory's expression darkened, his jaw tightening.

She cut him off before he could finish. "What, you want to hit me again? But you know damn well—"

"Enough!" Gregory snapped, his patience gone. He turned to Evelyn, voice strained. "Evelyn, what do you think—"

Evelyn's tone was ice. "So you'd break the law just because you dislike me? Danielle, let me be clear—it's not worth it. If I were you, I'd go to Vivian right now. Convince her to withdraw from the competition and issue a public apology. Do that, and I won't press charges." She still had her own reputation to protect in this competition. Escalating things further would only backfire.

Danielle scoffed. "Your screenshots prove nothing. I could say you faked them!"

Evelyn smiled, slow and knowing. "So you're denying it?"

"I didn't do it. Why would I admit to something I didn't do?"

"You said you'd admit it if the evidence was clear."

"Your evidence is worthless."

Evelyn nodded, almost amused. "Fine. I hope you keep that same energy when the truth comes out. If you fold then, I'll lose what little respect I still have for you."

With that, she stood and walked out.

Gregory hurried after her. "Evelyn, I swear I'll handle this. I—"

She stopped him with a raised hand. "Gregory, stay out of it. Your involvement only complicates things. I don't owe her any consideration." Her words left no room for argument.

Back in her office, Charlotte was waiting. "Well?"

"Nothing," Evelyn said.

Charlotte frowned. "So what's the plan?"

Evelyn smirked. "I have an idea."

She opened her laptop and sent out the edited chat logs.

Evelyn wasn't about to sit back and let them destroy her. Not when the real thief was still out there.

Once the email was sent, Charlotte asked, "What about Vivian and Danielle?"

Evelyn glanced at the clock. "You'll see in an hour."

"Keeping me in suspense?" Charlotte teased.

"Gotta keep you on your toes," Evelyn shot back with a grin.

Charlotte laughed. "Oh, I never doubted you."

As long as Evelyn wasn't being walked over, Charlotte could relax.

Despite making it through the day unscathed, the tension lingered.

Meanwhile, in a luxury hotel suite, Vivian's phone rang. The caller ID made her blood run cold.

She answered, her face paling with every word. She didn't dare argue.

The call lasted less than thirty seconds before ending abruptly. Vivian immediately dialed another number—but no one picked up.

She closed her eyes, her expression hardening. Finally, she gave in.

"Call the competition organizers," she told her assistant. "We're withdrawing."

"Withdrawing? But why?" Her assistant was baffled.

Vivian didn't answer. She just stared out the window, her grip tightening on her phone.