Chapter 296

The explosive scandal surrounding the Sterling family dominated every social media platform overnight. The internet's top trending topics shifted dramatically from Nathan Blackwood and Victoria Sterling's engagement announcement to hashtags like #VictoriaSterlingSecretDaughter and #MargaretSterlingMurderPlot.

Leaked footage from the disastrous birthday gala went viral within hours. Victoria's unhinged meltdown, where she resembled a rabid animal more than a socialite, and the compromising photos of her half-dressed state became the most shared content online.

The comment sections overflowed with venomous remarks directed at Victoria. Netizens expressed visceral disgust toward a woman who'd discard her own child for social advancement. Several online petitions demanded legal action against Victoria's alleged abuse.

[Abandoning her daughter overseas without a second thought? She's lower than vermin! At least rats care for their young!]

[Vermin: Please don't compare us to this trash!]

[So Nathan left his wife for this psycho? Impressive taste.]

[Nathan's clearly got sawdust for brains! Never met his ex but she's gotta be an upgrade from this trainwreck!]

[Ex-wife: Upgrade? That's the understatement of the century!]

[Childhood sweethearts? More like childhood nightmares! Note to self: run whenever I hear those two words!]

[This is better than any soap opera! Someone call Netflix - we need a limited series ASAP!]

Destroying reputations appeared effortless on the surface. Only the Kingsley brothers understood the meticulous planning behind every revelation that toppled Victoria from her gilded pedestal.

Evelyn always moved with calculated precision. When she struck, she ensured her enemies would never recover.

Outside the Blackwood Hotel, a media circus unfolded. Police vehicles and gawking crowds created gridlock. When Margaret Sterling emerged in handcuffs, her ashen face and trembling legs required two officers to support her.

Spectators eagerly filmed the humiliating spectacle, their phones capturing every degrading moment for viral consumption.

Across the street, Sebastian and Dominic Kingsley observed from their Rolls-Royce. The tinted windows rose smoothly, concealing their satisfaction at orchestrating justice for their baby sister.

"Dom, I considered hiring troll farms to amplify the Sterlings' scandal," Sebastian remarked, sipping espresso. "But public outrage seems sufficiently... organic."

Dominic scrolled through trending comments, his piercing gaze mirroring their brother Maxwell's intensity. "Ash, must you always assume I'm angling for discounts? I've never hesitated spending on Evelyn!"

"True," Sebastian teased, "but only for Evelyn. This time, isn't it also for her sake?"

Dominic's eyes sparkled mischievously. "You took point on this operation - you deserve the credit. Besides, as the younger brother, shouldn't you indulge me occasionally?"

Sebastian chuckled, ruffling Dominic's hair. "All those years prosecuting white-collar crime honed your negotiation skills."

Dominic's phone rang as he reached for it. "Speak of the devil - Raymond's calling!"

He activated speakerphone. "Ray, status update?"

"Margaret's in custody," Raymond's gruff voice announced. "The hitman's being processed as we speak. That bastard won't see sunlight for decades."

Lillian Hartwell, Harrison Kingsley's second wife, had borne three children. Their brother Henry Kingsley served as Monarch Group's chief pilot, while sister Arabella had married into Serenia's political elite with First Lady potential.