Chapter 73

"Do you have any proof to back up your allegations,Ms.Marsh?"

Esme would never confess to being the catalyst for the downturn in Gibson Group's stocks.

She had attempted to cast herself and Cary as long-lost lovers reunited, framing Evelina as the other woman.

Yet, the narrative spun out of her control,transforming Cary into an adulterer and Esme into a shameless mistress.

What was meant to unfold as a nostalgic romance spiraled into a scandal, sinking the company's shares even further.

Esme was perplexed about how her plan had so disastrously unraveled. Evelina, incensed, retorted sharply, "I would like to ask you the same question. On what grounds do you accuse me? Just who do you think you are?"

She cautioned Esme, "If you insist on playing the other woman, you should at least have the grace to remain unseen! Test my patience again, and I won't hold back from putting you in your place!"

The harshness of Evelina's words cut deeper than any physical slap might have.

Esme, biting her lip and letting tears flow, was performing for Cary, hoping he might sympathize and defend her.

Cary's heart did twinge with sympathy for Esme,and he was nearly moved to intervene, but Kristina interrupted loudly, "Really, Esme? Who's the audience for your tears? Didn't you initiate this confrontation? Evelina merely granted your wishes,so shouldn't you be grateful instead of upset?"

Kristina had long suppressed her revulsion for Esme,the unabashed home-wrecker. "Remember this Evelina has scheduled your public apology at Landen's grave for next week. Be there on time and show some genuine remorse."

Esme's tears stopped abruptly.

Desperately, she sought Cary's gaze, shaking her head vehemently. "I can't face that...I just can't..."

Already tarnished by scandal, her publc admission of impersonating the Sight Weaver would destroy her completely. The Gibson family could never embrace a daughter-in-law mired in such disgrace!

"Really, Esme, you're unbelievable," Kristina replied with evident scorn. "You orchestrated the deceit,you accepted the bet-"

"Stop!" Cary interjected sharply, moving to Esme's side to protect her from further rebuke.

Grasping Cary tightly, Esme broke down, her sobs wracking her body as she sought refuge in his embrace.

Cary, visibly annoyed, fixed Evelina with a harsh stare. "She invoked your name only to assist others.Must you press her so hard?"

Evelina responded sharply, "If I had lost the bet,would you have shown me any mercy?"

The answer was a resounding no.

Esme and Margot would have taken full advantage of the situation to destroy her.

"Ah, Miss Barton, what a pleasure to see you,"lan said as he emerged from the car, opening the car door for the ladies.

Jasper, observing from within the car the ongoing argument between Cary and Esme, had dispatched lan to intervene.

lan spared no pleasantries for the deceitful pair,issuing a stern warning instead. "As a representative of the Russell family, I witnessed the bet. I advise Miss Barton to fulfill her obligations, or face the Russell family's repercussions."

The implications were clear to all. With the Bartons' modest ventures abroad, Jasper had the means to destroy them financially.

They risked not only bankruptcy but a perpetual burden of debt.

Esme's energy seemed to vanish completely as she fell into Cary's embrace, struggling to breathe.

Evelina, nearing the car, cast one final glance at Esme, saying coldly, "Expect a text with the exact time. Be punctual, Miss Barton."

With that, Esme collapsed completely to the ground.

Cary, in a desperate attempt, reached for Evelina as she entered the car, pleading, "You're targeting Esme because of me... Evelina, we need to discuss this!"

As the car pulled away swiftly, all that remained was a cloud of exhaust in its wake.