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Chapter_29
The tension in the room thickened as the evidence started to unfold. Arabella’s face paled, and her composure was visibly cracking. She had tried to weasel her way out of the situation, but Thomas’s revelations were too damning. The videos, which showed her carefully avoiding any intervention when Isolde had her accident, left little room for doubt. The truth was staring her in the face, and now she had no choice but to face the consequences.
Coral, standing next to Arabella, shifted uncomfortably as she realized that the trap was closing in. She opened her mouth to speak but hesitated, unsure of how to defend Arabella’s actions. The silence that followed was heavy, as everyone in the room awaited Arabella’s response.
Vivienne, who had been silently observing the unfolding drama, couldn’t hide the satisfaction in her eyes. She had always known that Arabella would try to steal her credit, but seeing her exposed so thoroughly was almost more satisfying than she had imagined. She wasn’t interested in causing a scene; she had never expected anything from Arabella for helping Isolde. But now, seeing how the truth was finally coming out, she felt a quiet sense of justice.
Percival stood with his arms crossed, his gaze unwavering as he observed Arabella’s discomfort. His usual cool demeanor remained intact, but the coldness in his eyes was unmistakable. “So,” he spoke, his voice laced with ice, “it seems you’ve been living in a fantasy world, Arabella. You might have fooled some people, but not anymore.”
Arabella’s lip trembled as she stammered, trying to find the words to escape the situation. “I… I didn’t mean to—”
“You didn’t mean to?” Percival interrupted, his voice growing sharper. “You stole credit for something that wasn’t yours. You used the Ellington family’s gifts and influence to further your own agenda. And you lied to everyone here.”
Dorian, who had been standing quietly at the back, clenched his fists in anger, but he knew better than to speak out. His frustration was evident, but the damage had already been done.
Arabella’s eyes darted around the room, the hostile glares from everyone making her feel cornered. She had tried to play the role of the innocent, selfless girl, but now it was clear to everyone that she had been nothing more than a manipulative liar. Her reputation was shattered, and no amount of charm or excuses could fix it now.
Beatrice, who had been silently watching the exchange, finally spoke up. “Arabella,” she said, her voice laced with disappointment, “I trusted you. But your actions… they’ve destroyed any goodwill you had left with this family.”
Arabella’s shoulders slumped, and she felt the weight of everyone’s judgment upon her. She had been so certain that she could control the situation, but now she saw that everything was slipping through her fingers.
The guests in the room whispered amongst themselves, some of them shaking their heads in disbelief at how far Arabella had gone. It was clear that her efforts to take credit for Vivienne’s good deed had backfired spectacularly.
Vivienne stepped forward, her voice steady but firm. “I didn’t expect anything from you, Arabella. But what you’ve done… It’s unforgivable.”
Arabella’s face flushed with embarrassment, but she didn’t respond. She knew she had no defense left.
Percival, his expression still cold, turned to Thomas. “Make sure the Hawthorn family knows about this. Arabella needs to be held accountable for her actions.”
Thomas nodded, pulling out his phone once again, and sending a quick message. The message was clear: Arabella’s time in the Hawthorn family’s circle was over.
Arabella, now a broken woman, stood silently, her hopes of manipulating the situation dashed. She had gambled everything on the idea that she could continue playing her game, but now it was clear that she had lost.
