Vivian’s head shot up, her tear–streaked face filled with shock and hurt. Sean had just confessed his love for Charlotte in front of everyone.
Charlotte was stunned, Hearing the whispered doubts around her had left her anxious, frating
ing that Sean might really take Vivian’s side, just like they were saying
But now, his wann, steady hand sping hers gave her a sense of security. Her heart settled, the ardety melting away.
Mrs. Jasper <b>Sr.’s </b>reaction was far less calm. Sean’s public deration felt like a p to her face. Her voice trembled with anger. “Sean, you can’t just say things like
“Miss, we’ve brought the security footage.” The server’s voice interrupted Mrs. Jasper Sr. as hended Charlotte a sh drive.
All eyes tumed to the sh drive in the server’s hand, anticipation thick in the air.
Curiotte took it with a calm expression, her voice steady. “Everyone, please follow me to the screening room on the fifth floor. The truth will be clear in just a
moment.
Vivian’s palms grew sweaty, panic surging through her. She bit her lip, trying to maintain her <bposure</b>. “Charlotte, talready apologized. Why make such a big deal out of it?”
“Was that <b>a </b>sincere apology?” Charlotte’s voice was cold, her gaze sharp. “I don’t ept it.
Vivian tried another tactic “Think of the guests, <b>please</b>. The banquet <b>hall </b>is so big, and the screening room can’t possibly hold everyone.”
Charlotte’s lips curled into <b>a </b>mocking smile. “Don’t worry, Miss Vivian. The screening room upstairs can hold over a thousand people. No need for you to worry.” <b>Vivian’s </b>face stiffened, her mind racing for another excuse.
Mia folded her ams, watching with amusement. “Wow, someone’s <b>really </b>desperate. <b>Afraid </b>the footage might show something?”
“I’m not afraid! Vivian protested, her voice rising. “I just don’t want to waste everyone’s time. It was just a misunderstanding. There’s no need to make a scene.” Miaughed<b>. </b>“I didn’t say anyone was a
sscared, Miss Kander. You <b>said </b><b>that </b>yourself. Feeling guilty?”
“Everyone who’s interested, please join me on the fifth floor.” Charlotte’s tone <b>was </b>calm but resolute.
Mrs. Jasper Sr. Sr. tried again. “This is hardly the behavior of a proper youngdy. All this fuss over <b>a </b>duty dress? I’llpensate you for the <b>dress </b>on Vivian’s behalt. Why make a scene? We’re all family here.”
Mia couldn’t help but roll her eyes. In her mind, she thought, “oh please, this olddy just loves bullying Charlotte. She wouldn’t even let her call her <b>‘</b>Grandma‘ at the family <b>dinner</b>, but now she’s preaching <b>about </b>family,”
Desmond wasn’t present. He was outside in the garden, talking business with some important clients. Charlotte’s stepmother and half–sister weren’t here either. Jodie was down with the flu<b>, </b>and Xena was at the hospital with her<b>. </b>
For a moment, Charlotte thought she would have to stand alone, but she <b>hadn’t </b>expected Mia and Sean <b>to </b><b>step </b>up for her. Sean’s voice was ley. “Grandida, what exactly do you think a <b>proper </b>young <bdy </b>should do? Quietly endure being bullied?” Mrs. Jasper Sr.’s face twisted in disbelief. “Sean, what are you saying? Are <b>you </b>using me and Vivian of bullying her?” “jan’t that exactly what’s happening?” Sean’s gaze turned icy<b>, </b><b>a </b>cold sharpness in his eyes.
“A stained dress was nothing, <b>just </b><b>a </b>minor ident. But the moment it happened<b>, </b>Vivian med Charlotte, saying she wasn’t watching where she was going Charlotte suggested checking the <b>footage</b>. It was a perfectly reasonable request. And yet you used her of being unreasonable, of making a scene.
Well, we’re going to watch that footage. <b>I </b>won’t <b>stand </b>by and let you bully my wite.”