Chapter 95

The surrounding guests turned to watch, whispering amongst themselves. Thalia took a deep breath, closing her eyes briefly. When she opened them, cold fury filled their depths. “Grace, you did that deliberately, didn’t you?”

Grace excelled at playing the innocent victim. Her lips formed a perfect pout as she adopted a wounded expression. “Thalia, you clearly weren't watching where you were going when you bumped into me. How can you accuse me of doing it deliberately? This is your family’s event—why on earth would I intentionally collide with you?”

At that moment, Charlotte and Victoria, having spotted Thalia, approached.

“Oh, do stop the theatrics, Grace,” Victoria said bluntly, giving Grace a sharp shove. “Everyone knows you’re green with envy. You deliberately spilled that wine to humiliate her.”

Grace’s eyes instantly welled with tears. “How dare you make such accusations?”

Victoria retorted indignantly, “Your behavior at the riding grounds and at South Downs has already proven what you’re capable of. Do you honestly think we’re all blind?”

Grace appeared on the verge of tears. “What have I done?”

Victoria gave her a cold stare. “With all these people present, do you really want me to spell it out?”

Lady Blackwood, having heard the commotion, approached. Grace rushed to her side, clutching her arm, choking back sobs. “Grandmother, they’re all ganging up on me.”

Thalia gave a cold laugh, finally losing her patience. “With Lady Blackwood protecting you, who could possibly bully you?”

“Grandmother, you see how she’s treating me?” Grace sniffled, tugging at the elderly woman’s sleeve.

Lady Blackwood exploded. “Thalia Winters, don't you dare go too far!”

“I’m going too far? Lady Blackwood, is this how you’ve raised your granddaughter? You accuse me of lacking manners and propriety—perhaps you should take a good look at your granddaughter’s behavior!” Thalia responded, then calmly instructed a nearby attendant, “Check the security footage.”

The color drained instantly from Grace’s face. She had specifically checked earlier and was certain there were no cameras in this area.

Thalia’s piercing gaze swept toward her, seemingly reading her thoughts. With a cold smile, she said, “Did you think there weren't any security cameras here? Use that pathetic brain of yours—this is a massive banquet hall with countless guests. Of course there would be surveillance.”

Thalia gestured around the room. “There, there, and over there—all security cameras. For aesthetic purposes, they’ve been designed to blend with the decorations, but they’re using the most advanced technology available with 360-degree coverage and no blind spots. Let’s see how you try to weasel your way out of this.”

Lady Blackwood responded furiously, “Check the footage then! My Grace would never lie! I want to see how you’ll apologize when you’re proven wrong!”

Cold sweat broke out across Grace’s back; her heart pounded with anxiety. The security footage would be disastrous. She had deliberately bumped into Thalia to ruin her gown. Why should Thalia look so stunning tonight, with Asher’s gaze constantly fixed on her? Why should Thalia be the center of attention the moment she arrived? She couldn’t bear it! If the footage revealed her actions, even Grandmother would no longer defend her. They absolutely could not check that footage.

Just then, Grace caught sight of Asher approaching. She immediately bit her lip, adopting a remorseful expression. “Thalia, I’m so dreadfully sorry. It’s entirely my fault. Please don’t be angry.”

“What’s happening here?” Asher asked as he approached Thalia.

Upon seeing Asher, Thalia understood the situation. A mocking smile played on her lips. “Now I understand your sudden apology—Asher has arrived.”

Grace wept delicately, tears streaming down her face. “I’m truly sorry, Thalia. I accidentally bumped into you. I’ll replace your gown—please don’t be upset anymore.” She adopted an extremely humble posture, appearing utterly pitiful.

Thalia saw through her act, recognizing that Grace was performing for Asher and Lady Blackwood. “My goodness, you’re quite the actress, aren’t you? If I don’t accept your apology, I’ll appear unreasonable.”

Lady Blackwood pointed an accusatory finger at Thalia, turning to Asher. “Asher, just look at her behavior, bullying Grace right in front of us!”

Asher frowned, lowering Lady Blackwood’s hand. “Grandmother, let’s wait for the security footage.”

Grace panicked, redoubling her performance, crying with increased vigor.

The surrounding guests murmured amongst themselves. Some comments reached Thalia’s ears.

“Isn’t Miss Winters supposed to be the future Mrs. Blackwood? Why is she arguing with Lady Blackwood?”

“It seems Lady Blackwood strongly disapproves of this prospective granddaughter-in-law.”

“Well, the elderly lady clearly dotes on her granddaughter. Though Grace is only adopted, she’s been raised in the family for over a decade. Naturally, she’s closer than an outsider. Thalia hasn’t even married into the Blackwood family yet—she can hardly compare to the Blackwoods’ adopted daughter.”

“Grace may be adopted, but she’s still publicly recognized as the Blackwood family’s daughter. After Thalia marries in, Grace will be her sister-in-law. If she’s already offending both her sister-in-law and Lady Blackwood, will she even have a place as the future Mrs. Blackwood?”

“Precisely. Thalia should really temper that entitled attitude. Using her family’s wealth to bully others is simply despicable. Is she looking down on Grace because she was once the housekeeper’s daughter?”

“This is truly excessive. Someone accidentally bumps into her, and she’s making such a fuss. It’s just a gown—with her family’s wealth, what’s the big deal about one dress?”

“Offending Lady Blackwood over a mere gown—the consequences far outweigh any satisfaction. Thalia clearly lacks perspective.”

“What do you think the Blackwood heir will choose?”

“That’s obvious—he’ll side with Lady Blackwood and Grace. Lady Blackwood is his grandmother, and Grace is the sister he’s known for over a decade. Is that even a question? His engagement to Thalia is a business arrangement, a marriage of convenience. There’s no genuine feeling between them.”

“Exactly. In our social circles, these arranged marriages never involve real emotion. The young Mr. Blackwood will undoubtedly favor Grace.”

“Hmm, Lady Blackwood seems absolutely furious. Do you think this engagement will actually proceed?”

“Highly doubtful.”

Thalia, Grace, and Asher heard these comments. Grace kept her head lowered, appearing to cry while hiding a smile.

However, Asher suddenly raised his voice, his eyes cold with fury. “Who says I would side with Grace? Who says this marriage won’t proceed?”

His voice rang out, ensuring everyone heard him. Instantly, all the whispered discussions ceased. Even the orchestra dared not continue playing. The banquet hall fell into an eerily tense silence.

Under the astonished gazes of the assembled guests, Asher took Thalia’s hand. Each word he spoke resonated with absolute conviction: “This is the woman I love deeply. Marrying her has been my wish for many years. I specifically sought this arrangement with Uncle Randolph—not for any business interests.”