Anyone else in her position would have broken.

Cornered, publicly shamed, with seemingly undeniable evidence.

But Evelyn remained unshaken.

Her defiant composure sowed seeds of doubt among the guests.

"If there is surveillance footage, let's review it."

"If Evelyn is lying, we can simply call the authorities."

"She should be arrested."

"This could be a misunderstanding."

"An innocent person shouldn't be falsely accused."

But skepticism persisted.

"Amelia's birthday celebration is about to begin."

"Must we waste time on some unknown designer?"

"I agree. Guilty or not, the Sterling family can handle this privately."

"We have more important matters to attend to."

Amelia and Miriam, tense moments before, breathed subtle sighs of relief.

Seizing the opportunity, Miriam stepped forward.

"Miss Sterling's birthday is starting."

"Regarding this insignificant matter, we will handle it."

She reached for Evelyn's arm, signaling the bodyguards.

"Take her away."

"Question her properly."

A cold glint flashed in Miriam's eyes.

Once removed from sight, they could deal with Evelyn as they pleased.

She was just a designer.

No one would miss her.

Evelyn's pupils constricted.

A sharp sense of danger shot through her.

"Let go of me!" She struggled against the guards' grip.

Suddenly, a sharp voice cut through the commotion.

"What is the meaning of this?"

The hall fell instantly silent.

All eyes turned to see Jonathan Sterling striding forward.

His expression was dark and imposing.

Miriam's confidence faltered at his arrival.

Jonathan had instructed her to remove Evelyn discreetly.

Not to create a scene.

But Evelyn had been difficult to manipulate.

She had forced the situation into the open.

Now, if Jonathan discovered the deliberate framing...

The careful lies she had built for Amelia would crumble.

Miriam's mind raced.

She moved quickly before anyone else could react.

Bowing her head slightly, she spoke.

"Mr. Sterling, my sincere apologies."

"A thief appeared at Miss Sterling's birthday party."

"She stole one of the birthday gifts."

"We are handling the matter urgently."

Jonathan's brows furrowed.

"A thief?"

His gaze swept over the assembled guests.

His voice was calm, yet carried an icy edge.

"A thief? At our event?"

Then his eyes locked onto Evelyn.

She stood restrained by two large bodyguards.

Her posture was rigid, yet strangely composed.

His breath caught.

He had told Miriam to have this guest removed.

Why was she still here?

Then, as Amelia subtly moved closer to him, Jonathan's pulse quickened.

No.

Amelia must not notice.

She must not see the striking resemblance between him and Evelyn.