“Are you really going to hold a newborn responsible for everything that happened?”

Katelyn’s expression turned even colder.

After discovering the mix-up, she thought deeply about where the mistake could have originated, and it seemed likely that it had happened at the hospital. Indeed, once Sharon had taken her home, she was so well-protected that a switch there seemed out of the question.

Katelyn’s expression remained neutral. Having been exposed to the harsh realities of human nature, she had become quite discerning.

“If blame is to be assigned, it should be directed at Mrs. Bailey for failing to recognize her child. I’m merely a diversion for your wrath.”

Lise looked utterly shocked. She had never expected Katelyn to see things this way. Wasn’t Katelyn supposed to accept the blame and live out her days in regret and self-blame?

Everyone present was engrossed in the conversation, but only Vincent caught Katelyn’s words, letting out a discreet sigh of relief. It was as if she had finally shed a great weight, and now her steps could be lighter than ever.

Unnoticed by the others, a brief smile crossed his face. He was about to witness Katelyn as she truly was—unaffected by any external pressures.

Meanwhile, Neil had a realization.

His fate was now inseparably linked to Lise’s. Both their reputations were hanging in the balance. If Lise were labeled a thief, it would greatly affect his business as well. He could not let this scenario play out.

Even if it meant pinning everything on Katelyn, even if she were the actual Iris, it would only mean a small injustice for her compared to the loss he might suffer. Neil quickly moved to defend Lise.

g?ν.0 – Next part

“Katelyn, mere words can’t transform a falsehood into truth. The evidence shows that Lise is the genuine Iris, and you are the impostor.”

Neil’s words ignited a flicker of gratitude in Lise.

She hadn’t misjudged him. Despite all odds, he was unwaveringly supportive.

A subtle feeling of guilt began to surface within Lise.

She briefly glanced at her abdomen but quickly replaced the uncertainty with a firm expression. Nothing would stop her from getting what she wanted.

Noticing the unwavering stance of the two, Vincent casually interjected, “I remember that Iris has an agent, Aimee Stephens, who has been handling things for her throughout the years. Shouldn’t she be here for such an important occasion?” His question completely shattered their facade.

Lise lost her composure, cursing herself for forgetting about Aimee. Struggling to find an explanation, she turned to Neil for support. At this critical moment, he was her only ally.

Neil cursed himself for missing such a crucial detail. Everyone knew Aimee was Iris’s capable agent, and her absence wasn’t a viable excuse. He quickly concocted a believable explanation, “Aimee had to return to her hometown a few days ago, so she couldn’t make it.”

Katelyn marveled at their ability to twist the facts. She picked up her phone, dialed a number, and stared intently at Neil. Deliberately and clearly, she said, “Aimee, get here quickly before someone starts spreading rumors that you’ve gone back to your hometown.”

She made sure her voice carried through the microphone for everyone to hear. It was a decisive move.

By now, Neil and Lise were sure that Katelyn was the real Iris. Their previous claims had been desperate attempts to mislead the audience. But with Aimee’s impending arrival, their fabrications were about to unravel.

Despite their frantic efforts to prevent Aimee from showing up, they couldn’t stop the sharply dressed figure from confidently approaching the stage.

When Aimee appeared, all of Iris’s fans cheered loudly. Long-time supporters knew that Aimee had been instrumental in defending Iris from numerous attacks early in her career, solidifying a bond that was more familial than professional.

Once Aimee reached the stage, she embraced Katelyn. They spoke in hushed tones, audible only to each other. “You didn’t want me on stage initially because you were setting up this moment to reveal their deceit, weren’t you?”

At such a critical event like a press conference, it was unthinkable for Aimee not to be there.

Katelyn had planned to make Lise believe she had deceived the audience, which would only make their eventual unveiling more dramatic.

This approach was central to Katelyn’s strategy—staying one step ahead of Neil and Lise, ensuring they played right into her hands.

Katelyn’s eyes twinkled with suppressed amusement as she whispered, “Isn’t today’s drama quite the spectacle?”

“It’s utterly compelling. Watch as we unveil the truth about these frauds,” Aimee responded, rising to address the energized crowd.

“Hello, everyone, I’m Aimee.” Her introduction drew an even louder cheer.

She then fixed her gaze on Neil and Lise, microphone in hand, and asked, “Tell me again, did I return to my hometown? Why didn’t I know about this?”

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