Chapter 5

"What?"

Vanessa Hart looked up, startled. Her delicate fingers trembled around the stem of her wine glass. "What are you talking about?"

The maid cast a nervous glance at Evelyn Carter before whispering, "I saw Ms. Hart slip into the kitchen earlier. She put something in your drink—it looked like some kind of powder."

A chilling silence fell over the room.

The memory of Vanessa’s kidnapping three years ago flashed through everyone’s minds. She had been drugged then too.

Evelyn’s stomach twisted. Her grip on her glass faltered, and it slipped from her fingers, shattering on the marble floor.

The sharp sound drew the attention of the party guests. Curious eyes turned toward them.

Vanessa’s lips quivered as she turned to Margaret Hayes, her voice barely above a whisper. "Mom… I’m so scared."

Margaret’s protective instincts flared. She pulled Vanessa close, stroking her hair. "It’s okay, sweetheart. That’s all behind us now."

Then, her gaze hardened as she turned to Evelyn. "Still playing these games?"

Though Margaret didn’t outright accuse Evelyn in front of everyone, the implication was clear.

Vanessa was trying to frame her—again.

Evelyn nearly laughed at the absurdity. "It wasn’t me."

Her eyes flicked to the decanter of white wine—Vanessa’s favorite. Of course, it had been prepared just for her. This whole thing was staged.

"I went to the kitchen, yes, but only to grab something to eat. I didn’t touch her drink."

The maid, however, stood her ground. "I saw you add something to it. I swear on my life!"

Her dramatic declaration sent murmurs rippling through the crowd.

Margaret’s face tightened. Family scandals were meant to stay behind closed doors.

Vanessa, ever the peacemaker, gave a shaky smile. "Mom, I’m sure it’s just a misunderstanding. Evelyn wouldn’t do something like that again. She’s changed."

Her words sent a fresh wave of whispers through the room.

Most guests had believed Evelyn was studying abroad—not serving time in prison.

Vanessa’s eyes widened in feigned horror, as if she’d just realized her slip. "Oh! I—I didn’t mean… I must be drunk. Ignore me."

But the damage was done.

The way she fumbled only made it more obvious—there was truth to her words.

Desperate to shift focus, Vanessa brightened. "Evelyn! Since you just got back, I have a special birthday gift for you. Want to see it?"

Upstairs, Ethan Caldwell heard the commotion and descended, only to find Vanessa looking fragile and Evelyn standing stiffly, surrounded by judgmental stares.

Vanessa’s eyes were red-rimmed, her hands clasped pleadingly.

Evelyn met her gaze.

This was nothing new. Vanessa had always been the perfect victim, no matter how many times she orchestrated these schemes.

But this time, Evelyn was done playing along.

If Vanessa wanted to ruin her life, maybe it was time to drag them all down together.