Chapter 35: Bella, stop lying

"Why did you do it, Bella? Why did you ask to spike Layla's drink?" Miriam's voice was sharp for the first time at Orabela. She sat with her husband, Darius, whose face held a deep look of disappointment.

Seraphina, sensing the rising tension, turned her gaze to Orabela and asked, "Did something happen at the reception? Did Layla humiliate you?"

"No," Miriam replied firmly. "Layla did nothing tonight."

Orabela, trying to mask her unease, shifted uncomfortably in her seat. "Mom, do you really believe what Lucius said? He and Layla are conspiring to ruin my reputation! Roderick told me himself—his uncle doesn't like him because of the inheritance. Lucius is lying to all of you! It was his reception party, of course, he would have fabricated evidence. Layla doesn't want me to marry into that family, and she's using Lucius to make sure of it."