Evelyn shot a sharp look at the bodyguards Miriam had brought. A sudden, sharp gasp escaped her lips. "Oh! I understand now. This is an attempt to intimidate a woman with numbers? How utterly disgraceful. I never imagined the staff of the Sterling family would stoop to such shameless conduct."

Her words landed like a stinging slap, causing Amelia's face to flush a deep, angry red. "Please, you misunderstand. We were only—"

Evelyn cut her off, her patience gone. "Enough. Summon your supervisor. Immediately. If you refuse, we will take this matter directly to Jonathan Sterling."

"Precisely! What is the delay? As honored guests at this event, do we not have the right to expect proper conduct from the Sterling family's staff?" one of Madeline's friends interjected sharply.

"The main event hasn't even commenced. Fetch someone in charge to resolve this."

"I concur! If I were the one being falsely accused of theft, I would not tolerate such absurdity for a moment."

One after another, Madeline's friends voiced their support, their collective pressure leaving Miriam with no avenue for rebuttal.

A faint, cold smile touched Evelyn's lips. She had only drawn Madeline into the confrontation to share the burden, never anticipating she would be so vocal—or so willing to champion her cause.

Then, realization dawned.

Earlier, when Madeline and her circle had approached her, their remarks had carried a distinct undercurrent of disdain for Amelia Sterling.

That, undoubtedly, was a significant reason for Madeline's current intervention.

Evelyn felt a wave of relief.

With Madeline and her influential friends aligning with her, Evelyn's position felt considerably stronger.

She lifted her chin, her voice icy and imperious as she repeated the demand. "Call. Your. Supervisor. I wish to see if there is a single person within the Sterling household capable of rational communication."

Meanwhile, in the private lounge, Amelia Sterling remained entirely focused on applying the final touches to her makeup, ensuring every detail of her appearance was flawless.

Abruptly, one of her companions, glancing at her phone, let out a shocked exclamation. "Good heavens! You will not believe what is happening!"

Amelia frowned, irritation flickering across her perfectly composed features. "What is it now?"

"There has been a theft! At the banquet!"

Amelia, seated before her vanity, narrowed her eyes dangerously. "Someone dares to cause a scene at my event?"

"Amelia, look at this video. It was recorded discreetly."

Amelia turned, accepting the proffered phone. As the video played, Miriam's shrill, hysterical shrieks filled the air. The chaotic uproar made Amelia's expression contort with pure disgust.

How had Jonathan employed such a vulgar, unrefined servant? Her behavior was a complete embarrassment to the Sterling family's esteemed reputation.

If Miriam weren't under Jonathan's specific orders to monitor Evelyn, Amelia would have dismissed her long ago.

Then, Amelia's expression shifted again.

In the grainy footage, her eyes locked onto a distinctly familiar gown.

Amelia herself had personally overseen the delivery of that very dress. There was no possibility of error.

So, Miriam was accusing Evelyn of theft?

Amelia's voice was deceptively calm, yet held a razor-sharp edge. "What, precisely, was reported stolen?"

Her friend hesitated briefly before answering. "I heard it was the necklace Jonathan intended to present to you. And that servant causing the commotion—wasn't she the one your brother dispatched earlier?"