Wendy's face was full of certainty, and seeing this, Sarah was completely panicked.

She never expected things to unravelso quickly, nor did she expect Wendy to have kept a recording.

Tears streamed down her face as she frantically grabbed Ethan's sleeve,crying desperately. "Ethan! Please save me! I can't go to the police!"

She knew Alexander was strict and wouldn't help her. Ethan was her only hope now.

Just,as she was at a loss, she caught sight of someone entering the room.

Grasping at straws, she pointed at the newcomer. "It's Lydia! She instigated me! I wouldn't have had the guts otherwise."

"She told me that if we wanted to deal with Wendy, we had to be ruthless.She said if Alexander saw Wendy entangled with another man, he'd see her true colors and stop protecting her!"

Everyone's eyes followed her finger to Lydia, who had just walked in.Ethan's gaze also fell on her.

"Sarah, are you out of your mind? What nonsense are you spouting?"Lydia's eyes were deep and unreadable as she glanced at Sarah, thinking:'This fool, trying to drag me down with her.'

She walked over to Ethan, her eyes red and full of grievance, "Ethan, it's all my fault. Sarah mentioned wanting to deal with Wendy before,but I didn't take it seriously. If I had been more cautious and stopped her,maybe this wouldn't have happened, and Wendy wouldn't have been hurt."

Ethan softened at her pitiful appearance and glared at Sarah, scolding. "Always causing trouble! Lydia is kind-hearted and would never do such a thing. Sarah, you made a mistake, but don't try to smear others."

Wendy watched Lydia's act with a mocking smile, "Lydia,are you saying that you didn't deliberately trip the waiter, spilling drinks all over Chris'clothes? Is that also a baseless accusation?"

Lydia's face changed dramatically-how did she know?

"Wendy, I don't understand what you're talking about." Lydia tried to stay calm,hoping to bluff her way through.

Wendy didn't waste words and directly threw the photos Francis had taken in front of her, "What, are you going to say these photos are fake?"

Lydia's eyes widened, realizing Wendy had all the evidence and had been watching their every move.

Her heart pounded, and she clenched her fists, nails digging into her palms,the pain helping her regain some composure.

Lydia quickly walked over to Chris, her face full of guilt, her voice trembling, "Chris, I must apologize. It wasn't intentional. The party hadn't started yet, and I accidentally dirtied your dress. I was afraid you'd blame me, so I didn't say anything. You're a forgiving person, please forgive me this once."

Chris didn't want to hèar it, "I don't believe your excuses. Who knows if you're telling the truth? You might have done it on purpose, teaming up with Sarah to hurt Wendy."

Lydia wanted to extricate herself from the chaos but knew she couldn't easily offend the Collins family, especially Sarah and Juniper, or her future

would be bleak.

"Chris. I'm speaking from the heart." She glanced at Wendy and then at Chris,carefully choosing her words, "I think Sarah didn't mean to. Wendy is close to Alexander now, and it's hard for Sarah to accept, given Wendy was once her sister-in-law. It's only natural to feel conflicted."

Lydia's words were smooth, leaving no room for criticism.

"Who's conflicted? I never considered her..."

"Sarah, I know you're upset and speaking out of anger, but Wendy is about to call the police. Stop being stubborn and admit your mistake,"Lydia quickly cut her off.

Sarah glared at her but knew Lydia was giving her a way out.

She pouted, reluctantly looking at Wendy,muttering,"I was wrong."

Wendy saw her insincere apology and krew she wasn't truly remorseful.

However, since this was the Turner family's event, and she was merely Alexander's guest for the evening, she didn't want to make too muchof a scene and draw unnecessary attention.

Besides, Carl was already displeased, and she had to consider that.

"Since Sarah admitted her mistake, I won't pursue this further. But Sarah,don't bother me again, or I'll take the recordings and photos to the police and let the law decide." Wendy's tone was icy, leaving no room for urgument.

Sarah bit her lip, seething inside, but knew now wasn't the time to act rashly and had to hold back.

Alexander coldly glanced at Sarah and Lydia, "Wendy is my guest. This incident is partly my fault. Sarah, think before you act in the future, or you'll regret it."

Wendy felt a warmth in her heart. In the Collins family,she had only faced endless criticism and abuse. It'was Alexander who repeatedly stood up for her,protecting her.

"Mr. Carl Turner, I'm sorry for the trouble today." Wendy slightly bowed to Carl in gratitude.

Carl nodded slightly, turning to Ethan, "Ethan, your company must be busy. You should leave the party now."

Ethan's face changed, but he could only nod, "My family caused trouble,Mr. Carl Turner. I'll visit another day to apologize."

Juniper looked at Ethan, puzzled, wanting to say something but holding back.

Sarah's eyes were red and swollen, full of resentment, glaring at Wendy.

Only Lydia remained calm, her gaze meeting Wendy's, a complex look in her eyes.

She knew Ethan had no urgent business. Carl was displeased with the Collins family and was giving them a graceful exit.

As the Collins family reached the hotel entrance, Alexander and Wendy walked down the stairs side by side.

The lights were dazzling, reflecting off the marble floor, making Alexander and Wendy look like a perfect couple.

Alexander was handsome and dignified; Wendy was elegant and radiant,

complementing each other perfectly.

Ethan paused, looking back at Wendy, who shone like a bright jewel.

She was powerful and captivating, yet tender and gentle beside Alexander,evoking a protective instinct.

Unconsciously, Ethan clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white.

That was once his happiness, now slipping away.

He could only watch,powerless.

Lydia sensed his change, following his gaze and understanding his thoughts.

She trembled with anger but had to suppress it.

If she acted out now, it would only backfire.

Outside, the cold wind hit, and Sarah shivered.

Furious, she demanded, "Ethan! What urgent business could you have?Why now? Can't MIom and I stay?"

Lydia lowered her eyes, thinking: 'What a foolish woman.

Inside the banquet hall, the Collins family's departure caused no stir, as if they had never been there.

In Aurora City, there were countless prominent families. One more or less made no difference.