Jonathan smiled, his hand gently tousling Amelia's hair with clear affection.

"I merely handled a minor inconvenience," he said casually, though the idea of that woman stealing from Amelia ignited a cold fury within him. "Did you extend the invitation to her personally? In the future, individuals of her character should not be permitted at our events. It's a security risk."

Amelia let out a light laugh. "Jonathan, Evelyn only attempted to steal something. The way you speak, one would think she had committed some heinous, unpardonable act."

Despite her dismissive tone, a deep sense of gratification warmed her from within.

Evelyn's social standing needed to be completely dismantled.

After a brief moment, Amelia added, her voice softening, "You needn't worry, Jonathan. I will have no further association with her."

Jonathan gave a firm nod, then glanced at his wristwatch. "The birthday celebration commences in ten minutes. Take a moment to compose yourself. I will instruct the staff to conduct a final review of the proceedings."

"Of course. Thank you, Jonathan," Amelia replied, her voice sweet as honey. She watched his retreating figure, a satisfied smile gracing her lips. Just then, Miriam approached and whispered urgently, "Miss Sterling, regarding the surveillance footage—"

"Silence!" Amelia's expression instantly darkened as she cut her off.

Her eyes darted around the room, ensuring no one was within earshot, before she lowered her voice to a harsh whisper. "You fool. If you were going to frame Evelyn, why was the preparation so sloppy? Had I not foreseen this complication and arranged for a substitute video, how would you have possibly contained the situation?"

Miriam offered an uncomfortable, tight-lipped smile. "Your foresight saved us. I never anticipated Evelyn would be so perceptive. She didn't take the bait at all."

Amelia sniffed derisively. "Jonathan obviously recognized your incompetence and intervened directly. And see? He had Evelyn removed effortlessly. He has saved us considerable trouble."

A flicker of profound unease crossed Miriam's face.

She still couldn't comprehend why Jonathan had moved so decisively to eliminate Evelyn.

The only plausible explanation was his deep fondness for Amelia.

But Miriam alone knew a terrible truth Jonathan was unaware of—the woman he had so casually ordered apprehended was his own biological sister.

How would he react if that secret ever came to light?

The thought sent a cold shiver down her spine.

No. This secret must never be revealed. She would do anything, everything, to secure Amelia's position within the Sterling family.

Growing impatient with Miriam's silent contemplation, Amelia was about to reprimand her when a cool, clear voice cut through the air.

"Amelia, you were the one who fabricated that surveillance video, weren't you?"

Amelia's heart seized, a spike of pure fear lancing through her. She looked up to see Madeline approaching, her face an unreadable mask, flanked by two of her companions.

The sight of them made Amelia's expression turn to stone.

Not these meddlesome women again!

And Madeline had publicly defended Evelyn earlier.

What was her purpose now?

Amelia clenched her jaw, meeting Madeline's gaze with defiant hostility. "I have no idea what you are referring to," she stated coldly.