Isabella understood immediately.

Jonathan must have given Miriam instructions when he called her out earlier.

A knowing smile touched Isabella's lips as she connected the dots.

But Miriam clearly hadn't prepared thoroughly enough.

Isabella stood up smoothly, her movements deliberate. "Since this concerns me, I should see for myself," she said, her tone laced with amusement.

It might also be the perfect chance to cause trouble for Evelyn.

Her friends looked uncertain. "But the party hasn't even started yet."

Isabella waved a dismissive hand. "So what? If I make an early entrance, the evening might become far more interesting."

She lifted the hem of her gown and walked out, unconcerned about the stares.

Just before exiting, she paused. She signaled a servant over and whispered a few quick words.

"Hurry. If you succeed, you will be handsomely rewarded," she added. The servant's eyes widened slightly. "Yes, Miss Sterling."

What had Evelyn done to provoke Isabella to this extent? Was it truly worth this much effort just to ruin a reputation?

But servants did not question orders.

Isabella's friends exchanged curious glances. They weren't sure of her plan, but as her loyal followers, they trailed behind her without hesitation.

When they reached the banquet hall, a crowd had already gathered in one corner—exactly like in the video. "Miss Sterling, why are you here?" someone spotted her first, their voice filled with surprise.

The crowd instinctively parted to let her through.

Isabella sighed dramatically. "I heard there was a thief at my birthday party. I came to see for myself."

She moved to the center of the crowd, her gaze landing squarely on Evelyn. Feigning shock, she gasped. "Evelyn? You're the one? I'm truly stunned! How could you do such a thing?"

Miriam's confidence faltered at Isabella's sudden appearance.

She had acted on her own tonight. She wasn't sure if Isabella would back her up or expose her.

Not far away, Madeline and her friends rolled their eyes in unison at Isabella's theatrical arrival. Their contempt was palpable.

Here comes the pretentious Miss Sterling.

But Evelyn remained completely calm, utterly unfazed by Isabella's presence. "Miss Sterling, choose your words carefully. I stole nothing. Your people are fabricating lies."

Isabella's eyes narrowed slightly, a flash of malice passing through them.

Of course, she knew Evelyn was innocent. But why let a golden opportunity go to waste?

She had already planned to humiliate Evelyn tonight—Miriam had simply handed her the perfect setup.

Isabella almost felt like thanking her dear brother again.

She was convinced this was his doing, and that suited her purposes perfectly.

Miriam, catching on, hesitated for only a second before quickly regaining her composure.