The grand masquerade ball at the royal palace presented the perfect opportunity for William to expose Vanessa. He clutched Elara's evidence, a tangible reminder of her trust and his responsibility to use it wisely.
William had painstakingly gathered the evidence while they were still investigating, piecing together—fragments of letters, intercepted conversations, and subtle observations— Each piece pointed towards Vanessa's manipulative schemes and the cruel treatment she had inflicted upon those she considered victims.
Who wouldn't knew that Vanessa's façade was all a lie?
Before Elara's arrest, she and William had meticulously planned to expose Vanessa at the ball. Now, William was alone to carry out their plan, burdened with the weight of their shared hopes and the need to leverage his advantage.
Now it's up to him to not mess up.
The ball is dazzling spectacle of wealth, as the crowd dance together gracefully.
William is looking for a right time to expose everything to the crowd, however, Vanessa , ever vigilant, anticipates his moves. She's aware what is William going to do, and she's prepared to counter his efforts.
She could use her charm and social skills to discredit William's evidence, spinning a web of decent manipulation.
She glance at William who is communicating to the other nobles while she's sitting with her friends.
You're so brave, dear brother... Vanessa hissed, her voice dripping with malice. All I have to do is tell everyone you're just jealous of me, and all your efforts will shatter like glass. A single puff of manipulation and lies will destroy your plan.
She smirked her gaze is still lingering on William.
The moment of truth had arrived. William, his voice steady despite the tremor in his heart, laid out his evidence, detailing Vanessa's treachery. Vanessa watched him, a curious amusement flickering in her eyes.
Finally standing, Vanessa glided towards William, her gaze sweeping across the crowd. "Oh, I'm so sorry," she purred, her voice laced with false sympathy.
"It seems my dear brother is simply jealous of my success, my wealth. Isn't that right, darling? A little envious of all that I've accomplished?" Her smirk was cunning, her eyes glittering with manipulative intent, as she sought to sow seeds of doubt in the minds of the onlookers.
William's eyes locked onto Vanessa's, his heart sinking as he heard the whispers of the crowd. They were buying her act, believing her fabricated story of jealousy.
His words, meant to expose the truth, were being twisted into a narrative of envy, leaving him feeling powerless and exposed.
"What do you think you're doing, Vanessa?" William growled, his voice a low, dangerous whisper. His gaze remained fixed on her, his eyes blazing with anger.
"What? I'm simply telling the truth, darling," Vanessa purred, her voice a silky whisper. "They're just a little envious, don't you think? It's quite amusing to watch, isn't it? Hearing them whisper about you, wondering if you're telling the truth." Her laugh was a low, predatory chuckle, her eyes glittering with malicious delight.
"You can't get away with this, Vanessa," William growled, his voice shaking with barely contained rage.
"Your cunning plans will catch up to you. You'll face the consequences of your actions. Even if I'm your brother, I'm done watching you make people suffer. I'm tired of your disturbing behavior. I will expose you, Vanessa."
Vanessa couldn't help but erupt in a mocking laugh. "Oh, so scary, brother," she sneered, her voice dripping with disdain.
"But you have nothing on me. Nothing!" She turned, her laughter echoing through the room as she sauntered away, leaving William standing alone, the weight of his failure pressing down on him.