Chapter 97

In the video, Grace anxiously searched for someone. When Thalia appeared, Grace quickly grabbed a glass of red wine from a passing server and rushed toward Thalia, deliberately colliding with her. The wine spilled onto Thalia's gown—a moment witnessed by everyone present. The security footage irrefutably showed Grace's intentional actions. A murmur of surprise rippled through the audience as whispered discussions resumed; several guests had been recording the screening. This footage would undoubtedly appear on social media within hours. High-society drama involving wealthy heiresses always garnered more attention than any television program; this video was destined to go viral.

After leaving the screening, Asher called Lady Blackwood. Neither she nor Grace had viewed the footage. With the truth evident, they needed to apologize to Thalia. Mrs. Hughes, Lady Blackwood's housekeeper, answered. “Master Asher, I’m afraid Lady Blackwood has suffered another heart episode. We’re en route to the hospital.”

“Oh, how terribly convenient,” Asher replied skeptically. Mrs. Hughes discreetly glanced at Lady Blackwood, who exchanged a meaningful look with her. Maintaining a steady tone, Mrs. Hughes lied, “I’m afraid so, sir. After your earlier disagreement, Lady Blackwood became quite upset, triggering her condition.”

Asher remained silent before requesting, “Put Grace on, would you?” The phone was on speaker; Grace frantically shook her head at Mrs. Hughes.

“Miss Bennett isn’t with us, sir. I haven’t the slightest idea where she might be.”

“How remarkably convenient,” Asher responded with cold derision. “If they won’t speak to me, they can apologize to Thalia in person.”

Thalia had gone upstairs to change. Asher, alone in the garden during his call, encountered Randolph upon returning to the banquet hall. Randolph, having concluded business discussions and been briefed by the estate manager, had sought Lady Blackwood for an explanation, only to learn she and Grace had already left. He was now looking for Asher.

Randolph’s expression was thunderous. “Asher, what on earth happened? Why are your grandmother and sister treating Thalia so poorly?”

Asher adopted a conciliatory tone. “Uncle Randolph, I’m terribly sorry. Please accept my apologies on their behalf.”

Randolph scoffed. “You’re not the one who should apologize. I’ve been fully briefed. You defended Thalia; your grandmother and sister behaved appallingly. They should apologize—not to me, but to Thalia.”

“I couldn’t agree more. I’ll ensure they apologize personally.”

“That’s better,” Randolph’s expression softened slightly, though his tone remained severe. “My daughter is the pride of the Winters family. I won’t have her mistreated—not even by the Blackwoods!”

“You’re absolutely right, sir,” Asher replied respectfully.

Soon, the video of Grace deliberately bumping into Thalia went viral. Videos of their argument also circulated. The headlines became 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 utterly ridiculous.”

Charlotte looked puzzled. “I’m surprised the Blackwood family is allowing this.”

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

Charlotte nodded. “That explains it.”

Victoria made a contemptuous sound. “That dreadful old woman…”

Charlotte interrupted: “Thalia, aren’t you going to have these removed? Could this affect your reputation?”

Thalia shook her head. “I won’t, nor will I allow the Blackwoods to. The footage is up, and anyone can see who was wrong. I’m quite happy for Grace to be humiliated—it serves her right.”

Victoria nodded firmly. “I agree!”

Charlotte added: “Me too.”

The following day, Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood brought Grace to formally apologize. Asher accompanied them, but Lady Blackwood was absent, claiming a heart attack and hospitalization. Whether this was true remained unclear, but as Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood appeared genuinely contrite, Randolph didn’t press the issue. Thalia and Randolph had spent the night at the estate, so the Blackwoods came there to deliver their apology.

Grace intended to remain seated. As she was about to sit, before Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood could speak, Asher coldly ordered: “Who said you could sit? On your knees!” His tone brooked no argument. Grace, on the verge of tears, looked beseechingly at her parents. Mr. Blackwood remained stern. “You heard him, Grace. Kneel.” Mrs. Blackwood’s face was equally cold, “Do as you’re told.” Asher’s frigid displeasure left Grace no choice but to kneel.

Randolph appeared moderately satisfied. Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood delivered lengthy apologies. When it was Grace’s turn, Asher intervened coldly: “Turn around. Face Thalia.” Grace, still kneeling, obeyed. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have embarrassed you. I was wrong.”

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