chapter1173

A ripple of panic ran through her. Cindy, eager to defend her daughter, blurted out, Fine, let's check the cameras then." She just couldn't believe that Maisie would have spilled wine on herself unless someone else had pushed her.

At that moment, Erik and Gianna walked over.

"What's everyone so worked up about? Oh, Maisie just got a little clumsy with her drink?" Erik said with an easy smile, brushing the whole thing off and putting the blame on Maisie right away.

Maisie stomped her foot in frustration. "Uncle Erik, it wasn't me, it was her!" she protested, glaring at Lydia and pointing at her.

"Enough, Maisie. Today's your grandmother's birthday. Everyone here is a guest, so let's not make a scene," Erik said, his tone calm but firm.

He suspected Lydia wasn't someone they could afford to offend, and he didn't want to make a public mess over something so minor. He'd already caught bits and pieces from the crowd. Everyone was saying Maisie had lost her balance and spilled the wine on herself. No matter what really happened, if the guests thought Maisie was to blame, there was no point making a bigger deal out of it. Pushing the issue would only embarrass the whole Bland family, not just Maisie.

Cindy glared at Erik, her face tight with anger. "But, Erik, it's obvious that

"That's enough, Cindy. It's just a glass of wine. Maisie can change her clothes. Let's keep the mood light. Don't let this ruin the party," Erik said.

Even though Giana wasn't fond of Lydia, knew better than to stir up more trouble. If this blew up, it was their family who'd be laughed at.

"She's right, Cindy. Go help Maisie change. It's Mom's birthday. We can't let anything upset her," Gianna added.

Cindy was practically shaking with rage. She'd never liked Gianna, the mistress who'd taken Erik's heart. But with Erik in charge of the family and herself just a married daughter, what could she really do?

She shot Lydia a furious look, let out a cold snort, and pulled Maisie away

to get changed. It wasn't the time to make a scene now, but she wasn't about to forget this humiliation.

9,get changed it waitint the

Hiding in the crowd, Marilyn watched it all, so angry she could barely stand still. Maisie was hopeless. Not only had she failed to put Lydia in her place she'd managed to embarrass herself front of everyone. Absolutely

useless!

Yara, Tina, and Lucinda exchanged helpless looks. They'd been waiting to see Lydia

humiliated, but instead, the whole thing had just turned into a joke.

On the other side of the room, Erik smiled apologetically at Lydia, hoping she

wouldn't hold a grudge against Maisie.

Lydia's answer was cool and

unbothered. "If Mrs. Burton really

thinks wrongly accused her

daughter, she's welcome to check the security footage herself and see what happened."

She paused, then said, "We won't stay and ruin the party. Have a good evening."

With that, Lydia, Juna, and Lincoln left together.

Erik's expression darkened. That girl was seriously arrogant.

Gianna let out another cold, frustrated snort. "Who does she think she is?"

Erik gave a small, knowing laugh. Didn't you notice? The Davis girl and the Lowe heir both seem to follow her lead."

Gianna blinked, a little taken aback. Had they really?

Erik nodded. Either way, it's best not to cross her. Tell Marilyn to get closer to Lydia at school. It can't hurt."