The Winston estate was shrouded in tension the next morning.
Mrs. Winston slammed the banquet guest list onto the table with a resounding thud.
"This is a deliberate insult!"
Her finger trembled as she pointed at the names.
"My own daughter-in-law isn't even invited."
"Yet that vixen gets to waltz right in."
"Even Sophia Sullivan—his divorced ex—received an invitation!"
A wineglass shattered against the floor.
Crimson liquid splattered across the carpet.
Mrs. Winston's entire body shook with rage.
Her temples throbbed violently.
She pressed her fingers hard against her forehead.
Her gaze sliced toward Chloe Evans like a blade.
"Your grandfather is making it abundantly clear—we're not welcome!"
Memories flooded her—her son defending Chloe against the old man's disapproval.
The dowry that still hadn't materialized.
White-hot fury threatened to consume her rationality.
"Chloe! This is all because you couldn't win him over!"
Chloe flinched.
Tears welled up instantly in her eyes.
"Mother, I've done everything to please Grandfather."
Her voice quivered with feigned hurt.
"But he only favors Sophia..."
Inside, she smirked.
Mrs. Winston's past kindness had been nothing but greed for her assets.
Now she was being blamed for everything.
Chloe subtly retreated behind Liam Winston.
"Liam, your mother seems to hate me more each day..."
Mrs. Winston snatched up a teacup.
"Stop playing the victim!"
The cup hurtled toward Chloe with a whoosh.
Liam swiftly shielded her.
Porcelain exploded at his feet.
"Mother! Have you lost your senses?"
He stood rigidly in front of Chloe, face dark with anger.
"Chloe is your daughter-in-law, not your punching bag!"
Mrs. Winston let out a bitter laugh.
"Then tell me—what do you propose we do?"
Her meticulously prepared gown was now useless.
Barred from even entering the birthday banquet.
This was the ultimate humiliation.
Chloe gently tugged Liam's sleeve.
"Mother, I have an idea."
Her voice dripped honey.
"No one outside knows the details."
"We'll arrive with gifts in hand."
"Grandfather wouldn't dare turn us away publicly."
A pause. Her eyes gleamed with calculation.
"And if we expose Sophia's true colors..."
Mrs. Winston narrowed her eyes.
"What exactly are you planning?"
Chloe's lips curved into a sly smile.
"Liam and I discovered her secret."
The financial discrepancies she'd uncovered last night.
Not only implicated Sophia.
But might also involve Mrs. Winston herself.
Yet no matter who got exposed in the end.
The victor would be Chloe alone.