Chapter 43

Vivian's words ignited Charlotte's fury like a match to gasoline.

"You insane jealous bitch!" Charlotte shrieked, her designer heels stomping against the stage. "My boyfriend paid millions for that pendant! How dare you call it fake? I'll make you regret opening your filthy mouth!"

The polished socialite facade shattered as Charlotte lunged at Vivian with manicured claws outstretched.

Vivian sidestepped effortlessly, sending Charlotte sprawling across the stage in a tangle of designer fabric.

The crowd erupted in laughter at the undignified spectacle.

Nathaniel's jaw tightened. Storm clouds gathered in his piercing gaze as he watched the scene unfold.

Vivian Lockhart. What fresh hell was she unleashing now? First the scandalous dress, now this public brawl with his cousin. The tabloids would feast on this for weeks.

"Mrs. Blackwood," the flustered host intervened, "was this just... humor? Or do you have proof of your claim?"

Vivian's crimson lips curved. "Naturally."

She produced a laser pen from her clutch with a magician's flourish. "The genuine Evesting Heart contains sixteen internal facets - one for each letter in its name. When illuminated..." She aimed the beam at the display case. "...it should project those words in light."

Murmurs spread through the crowd. Several guests nodded, recalling the legendary pendant's authentication method.

The laser revealed nothing but unrefracted light passing through the crystal.

"A counterfeit!" someone shouted.

"Pathetic," another guest sneered. "Using charity to flaunt fake wealth."

Charlotte's face burned crimson. She whirled on Micah. "You imbecile! You humiliated me with this trash?"

Micah cowered under the crowd's judgment. "I swear I paid millions! The dealer never mentioned-"

"Then how," Charlotte spat, rounding on Vivian, "would some gold-digging nobody know such obscure details?"

Vivian barely suppressed her smirk.

Of course she knew. The real pendant sat in her vault, a gift from her adoptive father - the King of Berlin himself.

"Lucky guess," Vivian lied, watching Charlotte slink offstage like a whipped dog.

In the front row, Liam exhaled. His boss always landed on her feet.

"Since my dear cousin-in-law donated a replica," Vivian announced, "allow me to offer something genuine."

Nathaniel's brow furrowed. What could his estranged wife possibly contribute? Their four-year marriage had left her with little beyond the clothes on her back.

Then Vivian raised her left hand.

And began removing her massive diamond wedding ring.