Chapter 204

Nathaniel responded immediately, "She doesn't owe you any proof."

Gabrielle's eyes widened in disbelief. "Nathaniel, have you lost your mind? This isn't like you! It's barely been months since your wedding, and you're already letting her cloud your judgment?"

Ignoring her, Nathaniel turned to leave with Evelyn.

But Evelyn slipped her hand from his grasp and faced Gabrielle. "If I can prove that earring isn't mine, will you apologize?"

Gabrielle hesitated before nodding. "I'll apologize if you prove it's not yours."

Evelyn smirked. "Not good enough. If I prove it, you're paying for everyone's expenses today. An apology won't cut it after you falsely accused me."

Gabrielle nearly laughed. Paying for drinks? That was Evelyn's big demand? Pathetic. Money meant nothing to someone like her.

More importantly, she knew Evelyn couldn't prove anything. No cameras in the changing room. No witnesses. This would be entertaining.

"Fine," Gabrielle agreed smugly. "Deal."

Nathaniel watched Evelyn with a carefully blank expression, though curiosity flickered in his eyes. Even Dominic and the others paused, eager to see how this would play out.

Evelyn extended her hand. "Give me the earring that stabbed your foot."

Gabrielle signaled the doctor to hand it over.

Taking it, Evelyn deliberately pressed the stud against her earlobe for all to see.

Gabrielle scoffed. "Looks lovely on you. A perfect match." Her tone dripped with sarcasm.

Evelyn ignored the jab. "Miss Winslow, take a closer look. Notice anything unusual?"

Gabrielle leaned in—then recoiled. Evelyn's ear was swelling rapidly, turning an angry red. The skin around the stud darkened to purple as if burned. Within seconds, angry welts appeared.

Evelyn yanked the earring off with a wince. Her fingertips touching the metal showed identical reactions—swelling, rashes, discoloration.

"I've had a severe silver allergy since childhood," she explained, rubbing her inflamed skin. "One touch causes this reaction. Since most studs are silver-plated, this clearly isn't mine."

She returned the earring to the stunned doctor.

Gabrielle's face paled. This wasn't possible. She'd been so certain...

"Miss Winslow?" Evelyn prompted. "Your apology?"

The crowd's murmurs grew louder. Gabrielle stood frozen, humiliation burning her cheeks. Refusing now would only make her look worse.

She swallowed hard, the taste of defeat bitter on her tongue.