Chapter 125

The world was convinced that Penelope's downfall marked the start of Evelyn's ruthless retaliation.

A smirk played on Evelyn's lips as she dialed Mrs. Santiago's number.

By 10 a.m., Mrs. Santiago had uploaded a video using Penelope's social media accounts.

In the footage, Penelope looked utterly broken—her eyes hollow, her face gaunt.

The vibrant, glamorous socialite from her Instagram and Twitter posts was unrecognizable.

This was her first public appearance since the scandal.

"I had a disagreement with Ms. Vanderbilt, but she wasn't the one who hurt me."

"That night, I was manipulated. I trusted the wrong people."

"I won't hide anymore. This is my apology to everyone."

#BiancaChase: The real victim just confirmed everything.

Wake up, haters.

Stop letting that designer fool you.

#SimonBlake: She looks devastated.

Honestly, a young girl's life is ruined, and she's still being mocked.

If she were my daughter, I'd hunt down whoever did this.

#VeronicaStyles: You idiots still defending that woman?

The evidence is right in your face.

At the Vanderbilt estate...

Richard slammed the tablet onto the table, glaring at Vivian.

"Look at what you've done!"

Laura, standing nearby, flinched. She stepped forward cautiously.

"Darling, calm down—"

"You—get out." He shoved her hand away.

"Look at the daughter you raised."

"The Santiagos... Do you think they're some small-time family you can mess with?"

Laura bit her lip, resentment simmering beneath her trembling facade.

'This is all Evelyn's fault.'

Vivian never expected Penelope to turn on her and side with Evelyn.

'She must have planned this.'

"What does this have to do with Vivian?" Laura blurted.

"Ms. Santiago chose to believe her. Vivian only shared a little information."

"Besides, Ms. Santiago was the one who wanted to hurt Evelyn. She just failed—"

Realizing her slip, Laura froze.

Richard's expression darkened.

Before she could backtrack, his palm struck her cheek with brutal force.

Laura crashed onto the sofa, stunned.

"So Evelyn was your target all along?"

Richard couldn't believe it.

Laura always played the perfect stepmother. Vivian acted the obedient daughter.

Yet here she was, admitting to scheming against his own flesh and blood.

"Darling, I didn't mean—"

Ignoring her, Richard turned to Vivian, whose face had gone pale.

"Did you frame Evelyn six years ago?"

"Dad, no! You have to believe me!"

Panic clawed at Vivian’s throat.

'I can't be cast out. I'll lose everything.'

"Richard!"

A sharp voice cut through the tension.

Madam Victoria descended the stairs, Lydia at her side.

"What is this commotion?"

"Mother, stay out of this."

"How can I?"

Madam Victoria’s gaze flickered to Laura, then to Vivian.

"This is the woman you insisted on marrying. The daughter you brought into this family."

"And now you're regretting them?"

Vivian rushed to her grandmother, eyes brimming with tears.

"Grandmother..."

Madam Victoria sighed, turning back to Richard.

"No matter what, Vivian is still a Vanderbilt. My granddaughter."

"This family still needs her."

"You already exiled one daughter. Will you throw out another?"