Chapter 410

Evelyn's words sent Penelope into a rage.

The thought of this upstart ruining her carefully laid plans to marry into the prestigious Whitmore family was unbearable.

Clenching her fists, Penelope forced herself to approach Evelyn. "I... apologize for my earlier remarks," she ground out between clenched teeth. "It was just foolish chatter. Pay it no mind."

Evelyn studied Penelope with cool detachment. "You know perfectly well these accusations are groundless, yet you spread them with such conviction. What kind of woman stoops to such malice?"

Penelope swallowed her fury, knowing she had to maintain composure. One wrong move now could destroy everything.

Victoria quickly intervened. "Evelyn, Penelope has apologized. Surely you can explain to the authorities that this was all a misunderstanding?"

Evelyn remained unmoved. "I'll speak with the police when they arrive. But first, Penelope, there's something you can do for me."

She gestured toward the tangled mass of decorative lights nearby. "Help me move these from the ground floor to the upper level. Consider it proof of your sincerity."

Penelope's control snapped. "How dare you order me about!"

Victoria grabbed her arm before she could say more.

Defeated, Penelope muttered, "What exactly do you need done?"

"It's simple," Evelyn replied, crossing her arms. "You and Victoria will carry all these lights upstairs without assistance. Do that, and I'll explain everything favorably to the authorities. Fair?"

Watching their casual dismissal of their vicious rumors, Evelyn wondered why they should escape consequences so easily.

Penelope, unaccustomed to physical labor, reluctantly lifted the heavy bundle of lights. Her designer heels clicked angrily against the stairs as she ascended. "These stairs are treacherous! And I'm ruining my new Louboutins!"

Victoria made no move to help. "No need to hurry, darling," she called sweetly.

Evelyn's expression hardened. "If those lights aren't moved before I return, I'll have quite the story for the police."

Panic flashed across Penelope's face. "But how am I supposed to—"

"That's your concern," Evelyn cut in, already walking away. "Fail to complete the task, and the consequences are yours to bear."

Penelope stamped her foot. "Victoria, you'll help me with this!"

Seeing no alternative, Victoria reluctantly removed her own expensive shoes. "This better be worth it," she muttered.

From a discreet corner, Evelyn watched the two socialites struggle with the lights, their perfect hair now disheveled, their designer clothes smudged with dust. She couldn't resist recording the priceless scene on her phone.

An hour later, Evelyn returned to find Victoria and Penelope collapsed in chairs, their makeup streaked with sweat.

Victoria gasped, "What did you tell the police? Why haven't they come?"

Evelyn blinked innocently. "Oh, I never actually called them."

Victoria's mouth fell open in outrage. She'd been played—again!