Chapter 96

Grace abruptly lifted her head, tear tracks still visible, her eyes filled with hurt. Asher had just openly declared his feelings for Thalia before everyone. Thalia stood stunned. The whispered comments had genuinely worried her; she'd feared Asher might favor Grace and oppose her. But in this moment, Thalia felt an overwhelming sense of security. Warmth radiated from Asher's hand as it enveloped hers, offering reassuring strength. Her heart gradually settled, her emotions calming.

Lady Blackwood, however, remained far from calm. Wasn't Asher publicly humiliating her with this declaration? Her voice trembled with fury. "Asher, I absolutely forbid you to—"

"Miss Winters, I've brought the security footage," the attendant interrupted, offering Thalia a USB drive. All eyes turned to the small device, everyone eager to see its contents.

Thalia took the drive and addressed the gathering: "If you'd all join me in the fifth-floor screening room, we can settle this matter."

Anxiety caused Grace's palms to perspire. Feigning composure, she bit her lip. "Thalia, I've apologized. Must you prolong this?"

"You call that sincere?" Thalia shot her a cold glance. "I don't accept it."

Grace deflected. "Even if you're angry, consider the other guests. The hall's packed—the screening room won't hold everyone."

Thalia smiled sardonically. "No need to worry, Miss Bennett. The upstairs screening room comfortably seats a thousand."

Grace's expression froze as she desperately sought another excuse.

Chapter 96 (continued)

Victoria, arms folded, watched Grace with amusement. "Getting jittery? Worried about something?"

Grace gritted her teeth. "Don't be ridiculous. It was a misunderstanding."

Victoria laughed. "Funny, I didn't mention your name. Guilty conscience?"

Thalia calmly announced, "Anyone wishing to see the footage, please proceed to the fifth floor."

Lady Blackwood interjected: "This behavior is unbecoming of a young lady from a good family! It was a spot on your dress, and you're making a spectacle. I'll replace it. We're family; let's not create an unnecessary scene."

Victoria rolled her eyes, thinking, What a hypocrite. She's been horrid to Thalia and now plays the 'family' card.

Thalia had confided in Charlotte and Victoria about the Blackwood family dinner. Victoria intensely disliked Lady Blackwood and her adopted daughter. Randolph was in the garden with clients, unaware of the commotion. Lucy was hospitalized with influenza, making the Winters family unavailable to support Thalia.

Thalia expected to face Grace alone, never anticipating Victoria and Asher's staunch defense.

"What does Grandmother believe a respectable young lady should be?" Asher asked frigidly. "Someone who quietly accepts being mistreated?"

Lady Blackwood looked incredulous. "Asher, are you suggesting Grace and I are bullying her?"

"If the shoe fits," Asher's eyes were cold. "The stained gown was minor, but Grace blamed Thalia. Thalia's request to check the footage is reasonable, yet you accuse her of making a fuss. I insist on viewing this footage. I won't stand by while you bully my wife."

Grace's heart lurched at the word "wife." How could Asher defend Thalia so fiercely?

Chapter 96 (continued)

They weren't even officially engaged, and he called her his wife! Lady Blackwood's chest heaved. "Asher, you're a Blackwood! How dare you side with an outsider?"

Asher, gripping Thalia's hand, met Lady Blackwood's gaze. "My loyalty is with my wife. That won't change."

"You, you…" Lady Blackwood clutched her chest, too enraged to speak coherently.

Grace implored Asher, "Brother, please. Grandmother's heart isn't strong."

Asher laughed derisively. "She wouldn't be in this state if you hadn't caused trouble."

Grace was speechless, seething with rage and embarrassment.

"Enough," Thalia said coldly. "Let's go to the screening room."

Six elevators, three on each side, stood at the banquet hall's far end, each capable of transporting fifteen people.

Thalia announced, "I will not be falsely accused. Anyone interested can take the elevator with me."

Many guests followed Thalia to the elevators. Murmurs arose.

"Miss Winters has been wronged. Why would she make a fuss over a gown?"

"This adopted Blackwood daughter seems dubious. Why oppose viewing the footage?"

"Grace is obviously playing the victim. Haven't you noticed how she looks at the Blackwood heir?"

"Yes, her feelings clearly go beyond sibling affection."

"Pseudo-incest? How scandalous!"

"Grace is playing innocent while scheming. Fortunately, the Blackwood heir sees through her act."

Chapter 96 (continued)

"I can't stand Grace's affected, contrived manner."

"Let's go see the footage. I can't wait to see her exposed."

Asher overheard these hushed comments. He squeezed Thalia's hand reassuringly. "Lia, I've only ever had brotherly feelings for Grace, nothing more. And after today, even those are gone."

Thalia softly murmured, "Mmm."

Most young aristocrats followed to the screening room, while the older generation remained downstairs.

The large group arrived on the fifth floor, entering the enormous screening room. Exclamations of awe filled the air.

"The Winters family deserves their reputation. This screening room is enormous!"

"This room alone must have cost tens of millions."

"I've heard this entire estate was purchased by Randolph Winters as part of Thalia's dowry."

"There are different levels of wealth."

"Some are born with silver spoons—others with the entire canteen."

After the guests were seated, Thalia operated the computer, inserted the USB drive, opened the footage, and activated the projector.