Fearless Backing

As soon as Lily Evans spoke, everyone was left speechless.

The women standing behind Lily Evans stepped forward to testify, confirming that what she said was true. They had bumped into each other while changing clothes, chatted together, then went to the lakeside pavilion for snacks and conversation. When they heard shouting, they came over to see the commotion—only then did they learn that Young Master Warwick was missing.

Lily Evans declared, "You all heard that, didn't you? So many ladies are willing to vouch for me. When Young Master Warwick disappeared, I wasn't even there. These women are all respected and well-known in the capital—if you don't trust me, surely you trust them."

Lady Warwick was dumbfounded. She looked at the women supporting Lily Evans—many were her own acquaintances, with impeccable reputations. None of them would ever lie for anyone.

Sophie White clenched her teeth, never imagining Lily Evans would find witnesses to prove her innocence.

Sophie White knew Lily Evans wasn't the sociable type—she usually kept to herself at gatherings. And with all the nasty rumors swirling in the capital, most ladies avoided Lily like the plague. Sophie was sure Lily wouldn't go out of her way to cozy up to anyone.

So Sophie White was convinced Lily Evans spent most of her time alone at the Warwick Estate. But she was wrong—Lily had actually gone out of her way to join the other ladies, giving herself a rock-solid alibi.

Sophie White wouldn't let it go. "Princess Lily Hayes, then how do you explain the bloodstains on your skirt?" she demanded.

"Bloodstains?" Lily Evans tugged at her skirt and flashed a mocking smile. "Clearly, someone with an agenda planted that blood. If you're so curious, why not have this maid from the Warwick Estate show her hands? Maybe you'll find the answer there."

The moment Lily Evans finished, every eye in the room turned to Sophie White.

Sophie White's face turned pale as a sheet. She instinctively hid her hands behind her back.

Lily Evans arched an eyebrow. "What are you hiding, Sophie? If you’re innocent, why not show everyone your hands?"

Sophie White stammered, "I—I just... I scraped my hand earlier. It’s nothing!"

Lady Warwick stepped forward, her face stern. "Sophie, let me see your hands."

Sophie White hesitated, but under Lady Warwick’s piercing gaze, she had no choice but to reveal her hands.

A fresh wound was clearly visible on Sophie White’s palm, still oozing blood.

Lady Warwick’s expression grew cold. "How did you hurt your hand?" she asked sharply.

Sophie White stammered, "I—I must’ve scratched myself while helping search for Young Master Warwick. It’s nothing serious!"

Lily Evans smirked. "That’s quite the coincidence. The blood on my skirt matches the blood on your hand. Care to explain, Sophie?"

The crowd murmured in agreement, suspicion written all over their faces.

Sophie White’s lips trembled. She wanted to say something, but the words wouldn’t come.

Lily Evans folded her arms, her tone casual but her eyes sharp. "If you’re innocent, Sophie, why do you look so guilty?"