Chapter 77

Slap! Slap!

The sharp sound of palm striking flesh echoed through the Lowell mansion. Victoria Lowell staggered back, her cheeks burning.

She clutched her face, eyes wide with shock. "Have you lost your mind? How dare you hit me?"

Victoria raised her hand to retaliate, but froze when she met Sebastian Valdemar's icy glare. The recent misfortunes of the Lowell family flashed through her mind, making her fingers tremble.

"Consider this interest on a debt," Evelyn Roland said, her voice colder than winter.

She turned toward the charred remains of a painting, her chest rising and falling rapidly. It had been her grandfather's favorite piece—now reduced to ashes.

Before Victoria could react, a kick sent her sprawling to the floor. She lay there, disheveled, her perfectly styled hair in wild disarray.

"You—" Victoria sobbed, her makeup streaking. "I'll sue you for this!"

"He was your own grandfather!" Evelyn clenched her fists. "How could you?"

Sebastian watched silently, his expression unreadable. Only now did he understand—Evelyn hadn't been desperately salvaging valuables, but cherished mementos of a loved one.

Vincent and Margaret Lowell rushed in, followed by flustered servants who helped Victoria up. She shrieked hysterically, "Call the police! Now!"

Sirens wailed outside moments later. The officers hesitated when they saw the slender young woman before them. "You're under arrest for assault. Come with us."

Evelyn nodded calmly and stepped into the patrol car.

At the station, Victoria refused any settlement. But soon, the Lowells delivered a Letter of Forgiveness—too afraid of Sebastian to escalate matters.

"Call your family to arrange bail," an officer said, handing her the phone.

Evelyn held the receiver with chilled fingers. She didn't want to involve the Rolands, and hesitated over whether to call Dylan Orlando.

"I'll post her bail."

A deep voice spoke from the doorway. Sebastian stood there, accompanied by a sharply dressed lawyer.

"From this moment," the attorney said smoothly, presenting his card, "I represent Miss Roland in all legal matters."