Chapter 217: Planted a Kiss
The video recording was accidental. Alexander, operating his phone one-handed, flinched when Isabella complimented his "paparazzi skills." His hand pressed the screen, unknowingly saving a video. He only realized this after putting away his phone. Influenced by his family's relaxed atmosphere, he didn't immediately delete it, intending to share it with family if they were interested. He'd initially hoped to capture something—unaware he'd capture that scene.
When things escalated, Alexander sent the video to Christopher, asking for discreet intervention. Direct action was inappropriate given their relationship and shared interests, but behind-the-scenes maneuvering was possible.
The large screen displayed the clandestinely filmed footage from outside the door, showing the tense standoff and suggestive conversation between Josiah and Audrey. Overwhelmed, no one initially stopped the video.
Audrey's revelation of Josiah's feigned poverty—stemming from deep insecurity and fear of Dakota discovering his deception—sent shockwaves through the room. Even Josiah's self-righteousness couldn't mask the disastrous consequences of Dakota learning his motivations. A chill ran down his spine; he finally understood Dakota's breakup threat wasn't mere anger.
The narrative contained elements that allowed Caleb to instantly grasp the situation. He whirled toward Audrey, his eyes wide with shock. Only when the necklace was mentioned did Audrey's exaggerated expression become apparent. Her facial expressions and body language revealed her actions, despite her denials.
Gasps filled the room.
"Gosh! Is it as I imagined?" "I believe everyone's thoughts are similar." "This is mind-blowing!" "It seems Caleb's wife and Josiah were classmates." "So, the ex-girlfriend was Caleb's wife?" "Audrey left Josiah for a better future with Caleb." "This is incredible! The Hampton family's open-mindedness isremarkable. Two brothers sharing a woman? Don't they find it repulsive?" "Perhaps they've always had a secret connection, flirting behind Caleb's back." "Does that mean Caleb's been cheated on?" "What about the alleged theft?" "This is jealousy; a blatant attempt to sabotage others." "The epitome of wanting your cake and eat it too! I never expected the Hampton family's lauded daughter-in-law to be like this!"
Caleb's face darkened; his icy gaze swept over Josiah and Audrey. Josiah stared blankly at Dakota, his face drained of color. Dakota, stunned, watched the video—a miraculous revelation—unaware of the filmer.
Audrey, seemingly snapping back to reality, cried, "Who filmed this? Turn it off! Someone, turn it off!" Everyone assumed her distress stemmed from guilt over her relationship with Josiah.
A gasp echoed through the room. "It really was a setup."
Audrey felt a lightning strike. Everyone then noticed Audrey subtly removing her necklace and slipping it into Dakota's bag after the conversation ended. The entire crime was on film, her malicious intent laid bare. Speechless, Audrey was overwhelmed by the crumbling world around her. She knew it was over.
Eyes blazing, she stared at the screen, unable to comprehend what happened.
"Audrey?" Lorelei gasped, stepping forward to grasp Audrey's arm. Noah's fury was palpable. The affair and public entrapment were massive scandals, threatening to make the Hamptons the laughingstock of high society.
Audrey's parents, George Shepard and Helen Laverock, were present. Aware of Audrey and Josiah's past relationship, they'd dismissed him as a spoiled, worthless kid, advising Audrey to break up with him. They never anticipated this exposure. They quickly intervened, claiming, "It's a misunderstanding!" But this weak excuse was unconvincing against the damning video.
Noah and Lorelei were furious, unsure how to react. Their anger intensified at George and Helen's expressions, causing them to push away anyone trying to comfort them. As the video replayed, Audrey felt numb, her blood seeming to flow backward. The humiliation was unprecedented; she wished she could faint. But she was trapped, exposed, and paraded for public judgment. The whispers felt like needles piercing her skin; ironically, she'd once reveled in similar whispers directed at Dakota. Now, the roles were reversed.
"The more I look at her, the more despicable she seems." "A setup from start to finish. She was convincing." "She's attractive, but so malicious." "She tried to frame the makeup artist! If she'd succeeded" "The Hamptons are blind! They brought this calamity upon themselves." "She broke Josiah's heart and deceived Caleb." "Josiah's foolish! He should have told his family. Why let his ex-girlfriend marry his brother? He was consumed by his hurt, pretending to be poor to deceive others." "He's not right in the head." "Caleb and the makeup artist are the most innocent; just unlucky."
Even Caleb felt unsteady. The scandal involved his wife and brother.
Dakota, having faced the truth, felt relief. Looking at those who'd nearly destroyed her, she wanted to laugh. The tables had turned. The others were dumbfounded.
"They what?" Ines, previously oblivious, was shocked. "It's Audrey? How?" Deborah was stunned.
Grim expressions reflected everyone's shared distress.
Roland hesitated, "I wonder how this video…" He glanced involuntarily at Alexander and Isabella. There was no overt indication of their involvement. Yet, few would risk the Hamptons' wrath to help a minor makeup artist, especially given the video's opportune timing. He'd only seen such a miraculous outcome in select individuals.
He noticed a smirk on Alexander's lips, and Isabella staring, dumbfounded. Then, Isabella's realization dawned. She whirled to Alexander, who was about to speak. A wave of surprise and joy washed over her. She threw her arms around him, planting a fervent kiss on his cheek. "Alexander! You're amazing!"