"Get this thief out of here before Evelyn steals anything else!"

"Yes, deal with her immediately."

The voices rose, a wave of usations crashing over Evelyn.

The hostility was a physical weight, pressing down.

She felt the situation slipping away. If this continued, her reputation would be shattered.

Her face hardened. Enough. Jaw tight, she snatched her clutch.

In one swift motion, she unzipped it and upended it. The contents clattered loudly onto the marble floor. A sudden hush fell. Every eye was fixed on the scattered personal items.

Evelyn had considered it beneath her to even respond to such a vile usation. It was degrading.

But Amelia had cheated. She used fabricated evidence.

If Evelyn didn't fight back with irrefutable proof, she wouldn't leave this hall unharmed.

She shook the empty clutch for emphasis, then dropped it dismissively.

Her icy stare pinned Amelia. "Satisfied?"

Amelia and Miriam stood frozen, clearly unprepared for this counterattack. Evelyn gave them no time to think. "Your video claims I took the ne from the lounge and hid it in this bag."

She gestured to the items on the floor. "Well? As everyone can see, there is no ne. This clutch was already full. There is no room for a piece of jewelry. So, Amelia, where did I supposedly hide it?"

"You—" Amelia stammered, thrown off bnce.

Evelyn didn't relent. "Everyone, look at me." She held her arms out. "I'm wearing no jewelry tonight. This dress is fitted. There are no pockets, no hiding places."

Her voice turned cutting. "More importantly, I have not moved from this spot all evening."

She pointed to the security camera above. "Amelia, you showed footage from the lounge. Fine. Then let's see the footage from this camera."

A cold smile touched her lips. "I can absolutely guarantee I have been in full view of this lens the entire time. I never entered that lounge."

She turned back to Amelia, her gaze unyielding. "If you doubt me, call the police. Let them examine both surveillance recordings. Otherwise, I will not tolerate this slander. I will be the one suing you for defamation."

Her words were sharp, precise, slicing through the thick tension.

A profound silence enveloped the room. The guests stared at Evelyn, shock evident on their faces. No one had anticipated such a calm, logical, and devastating rebuttal.