Chapter 117

In the video, Grace could be seen looking around anxiously, as if searching for someone. The moment Kimberly appeared, Grace quickly snatched a glass of red wine from a passing server and hurried directly toward Kimberly. As she approached, Grace’s pace increased, culminating in a deliberate collision. The wine glass left her hand, its contents spilling onto Kimberly’s gown—the rest, everyone had witnessed firsthand. From the security footage, the truth was undeniable: Grace had deliberately bumped into Kimberly.

Murmurs of surprise rippled through the audience as whispered discussions resumed. Several guests had been recording the screening with their mobile phones. This security footage would undoubtedly appear on social media within hours. High-society drama involving wealthy heiresses always attracted more attention than any television program. Whether for clicks, views, or simple entertainment, this video was destined to go viral.

After leaving the screening room, Asher phoned Lady Blackwood. Neither she nor Grace had come to view the footage. Now that the truth was evident, they needed to apologize to Kimberly. The call was answered by Mrs. Hughes, the housekeeper responsible for Lady Blackwood’s care.

“Master Asher, I’m afraid Lady Blackwood has had another episode with her heart. We’re ay to hospital right now.”

“Terribly convenient,” Asher replied, his skepticism evident. He glanced discreetly at Lady Blackwood seated nearby. A passing woman exchanged a meaningful look with him. Ivone maintained a steady tone as she lied: “I’m afraid so, sir. After your comment earlier, Lady Blackwood became rather upset, which triggered her condition. Now, she’s terribly sensitive to any sort of upset.”

He remained silent for a moment. “I… understand. Would you?” He was on speaker, and upon hearing this, Grace frantically shook her head at Mrs. Hughes. “Miss Bennett isn’t with us in the car, sir. I’m afraid I haven’t the foggiest where she might be.”

“Remarkably convenient,” Asher responded with cold derision. “If they won’t talk to me, they can jolly well apologize to Kimberly in person at her home.”

Grace had gone upstairs to change her clothes. Asher was alone in the garden making his call. He finished and walked back toward the banquet hall, encountering Ronald. Having concluded his business discussions, Ronald had been briefed by the estate manager on the incident in the banquet hall. He sought out Lady Blackwood for an explanation, only to be informed that she and Grace had already departed. He was looking for Asher.

“Where’s Grace?” Ronald’s expression was thunderous. “Asher, what on earth happened in the banquet hall? Why are your grandmother and sister treating Kimberly so poorly?”

Asher adopted a conciliatory tone. “Uncle Ronald, I’m terribly sorry about all this. Please allow me to offer my apologies on their behalf.”

Ronald scoffed. “You’re not the one who should be apologizing. I’ve been fully briefed on the situation. You consistently defended Kimberly—it was your grandmother and sister who behaved appallingly. They’re the ones who should apologize! And not to me, but to Kimberly herself.”

“I couldn’t agree more. I’ll ensure they personally come to make amends.”

“That’s more like it.” Ronald’s expression softened slightly, though his tone remained severe. “My daughter is the pride of the Jordan family. I won’t have her mistreated by anyone—not even members of the Blackwood family!”

“You’re absolutely right, sir,” Asher responded with his customary respectful manner toward Ronald.

Soon enough, the video of Grace deliberately bumping into Kimberly at the banquet went viral online. Beyond the security footage, videos of the argument between Kimberly and Grace were also circulating. The headlines grew increasingly sensational:

“Scheming Social Climber Confronted by True Heiress, Publicly Exposed” “Calculated Innocent Act Backfires as Heiress Demands Justice” “Heiresses Clash at Elite Gathering – You Won’t Believe Why!” “Wealthy Heiresses Come to Blows Over Eligible Bachelor” “High Society Sisters Become Bitter Rivals for Man’s Affection”

Victoria scrolled through the trending topics. “These headlines are becoming utterly ridiculous.”

Charlotte looked puzzled. “I’m surprised the Blackwood family is allowing these videos to circulate.”

Kimberly responded coldly: “People don’t realize Grace is the Blackwoods’ adopted daughter. Haven’t you noticed that Lady Blackwood and Asher aren’t visible in any of the footage?”

Charlotte nodded in realization. “That explains why they’ve been released.”

Victoria made a contemptuous sound. “That dreadful old bat is really something.”

Charlotte quickly interrupted: “Kimberly, aren’t you going to have these trending topics removed? Couldn’t this affect your reputation?”

Kimberly shook her head. “I won’t remove them, nor will I allow the Blackwood family to do so. The security footage has been uploaded, and anyone can see who was in the wrong. I’m quite happy for Grace to be humiliated; it serves her right for constantly scheming against me.”

Victoria nodded firmly. “I’m with you on that one!”

Charlotte added: “I support you as well.”

The following day, Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood brought Grace to formally apologize. Asher accompanied them, but Lady Blackwood was notably absent. She claimed to have suffered a heart attack from distress and was supposedly in the ICU. Whether this was true remained unclear, but as Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood appeared genuinely contrite, Ronald didn’t press the issue of Lady Blackwood’s condition. Kimberly and Ronald had spent the night at the estate, so the Blackwoods came there to deliver their apology.

In the luxurious reception room, Ronald occupied the main seat, with Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood seated to his left and right. Kimberly and Asher sat together. Grace was on her knees. The previous night, Asher had backed up the security footage on his phone and sent it to his parents. They had immediately reprimanded Grace severely. Though they hadn’t dared criticize Lady Blackwood, Asher had gone to the hospital and shown her the security footage. Faced with irrefutable evidence, Lady Blackwood—despite her disapproval of Kimberly—couldn’t deny the truth. She acknowledged Grace’s wrongdoing and tacitly approved their plan to take her to apologize.

No matter how much Grace pleaded and cried to see her, Lady Blackwood refused all visitors. With Lady Blackwood’s implicit consent, Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood brought suitable gifts and escorted Grace to formally apologize.

Grace had intended to remain seated. As she was about to sit down, before Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood could say anything, Asher coldly ordered: “Who said you could sit? On your knees!” His tone was glacial, carrying an authority that brooked no argument. Grace pressed her lips together, on the verge of tears, looking beseechingly toward Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood. Mr. Blackwood maintained a stern expression. “You heard him, Grace. Kneel.” Mrs. Blackwood’s face was equally cold. “Do as you’re told.”

Asher’s entire demeanor radiated frigid displeasure. Fearing to provoke him further, Grace had no choice but to kneel. Ronald appeared moderately satisfied. Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood delivered lengthy opening remarks expressing their regret.

When it was Grace’s turn to apologize, Asher intervened coldly: “Turn around properly. Face Kimberly when you apologize.” Grace struggled to contain herself, but ultimately dared not defy him. She obediently turned ninety degrees to face Kimberly directly, still kneeling. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have deliberately embarrassed you in such a public setting. I know I was wrong.”

Kimberly regarded Grace with curious interest. “Why are you constantly gunning for me?”

Chapter 118