Chapter 272

Chapter 272

Nicholas shook his head gently and asked Harper, "Who exactly are you? Why are you pretending to be Nova?"

Sabrina chimed in with perfectly timed astonishment: "So you've been faking it this whole time?"

She turned and tugged on Alexander's sleeve. "Alexander, she's not Nova at all."

Alexander had been quietly observing Charlotte all this time, but even he was shocked by this stunning reversal.

This woman wasn't Nova? Then how did she get her hands on the Forbes Group's invitation?

She seemed so close to Charlotte—could Charlotte be behind all this?

The more he thought about it, the angrier he became. To get back at him and Sabrina, it seemed Charlotte would stop at nothing!

He rose slowly to his feet, fixing Charlotte with an icy stare. "Charlotte, you'd better give me a damn good explanation for what's going on here."

The surrounding guests were stunned by this unexpected turn of events.

For a moment, everyone exchanged bewildered glances. No one spoke.

Only Landon, Declan, and Harper wore expressions of deep intrigue, as if waiting for the show to begin.

Hot-tempered Jenna couldn't stand seeing Charlotte wronged. "Alexander, watch your tone."

"You people invited Nova yourselves. Why should Charlotte have to explain anything to you? If you ask me, if your brain's broken, you should get it fixed."

Sabrina stood up as well. "Jenna, this has nothing to do with you."

Jenna's neck stiffened. "I say it does, so it does!"

Sabrina pointed a finger at Jenna. "Jenna—"

Suddenly, a voice came from behind Sabrina: "Point at Jenna one more time, and you can kiss that finger goodbye!"

Sabrina's face went pale. She instinctively lowered her hand. "Lucas? What are you doing here?"

Lucas didn't bother acknowledging her. He simply walked up to Jenna. "You okay? She didn't upset you, did she?"

His voice was unexpectedly gentle and caring.

Everyone present—except for Nicholas and a select few—knew Lucas and was well aware of his history.

But seeing this tender, considerate man before them, they couldn't help wondering if this was really the same Lucas they knew.

While everyone puzzled over this, Jenna shot Lucas an irritated look. "My business is none of yours."

Lucas took the rebuff without a trace of anger, just shrugged helplessly. "All right. Don't be upset. I'll head back downstairs now."

With that, he actually turned to leave.

But as he passed Sabrina, he fixed her with a pointed stare.

Feeling that familiar dangerous edge Lucas used to carry, Sabrina couldn't help but shudder, quickly pressing closer to Alexander's side.

After Lucas left, everyone's attention returned to Harper.

This time, even Nicole couldn't contain herself. "Are you Nova or not?"

Harper gave a playful smile. "Mrs. Nicole Forbes, it's a bit complicated. We'll explain everything to you later."

Seeing Harper unwilling to admit she was Nova, Sabrina felt increasingly confident. She slammed her hand on the table. "You ARE a fraud! I'm calling the police!"

Harper rolled her eyes at her. "From the beginning until now, I never once said I was Nova. You people are the ones who kept calling me that."

Sabrina pressed on: "Then how did you get the invitation we sent to Nova?"

"Alexander, call the police and have her arrested!"

Alexander's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched. "Some people need to be taught a lesson."

Alexander pulled out his phone, about to dial.

That's when Charlotte finally stood up, unhurried and calm. "You want to find Nova? She's right here."

Nova was right here?

That statement was like a drop of cold water hitting hot oil—instant explosion.

Everyone's gazes swept around frantically, trying to identify any unfamiliar faces.

Even Alexander paused mid-dial, looking at Charlotte with utter confusion.

Nicholas couldn't contain his excitement and asked Charlotte directly: "Charlotte! Tell me—who here is Nova?"

Seeing Nicholas's agitated expression, a flash of apology crossed Charlotte's eyes.

At that moment, Sabrina let out a cold laugh. "Charlotte, is lying to everyone really worth it just to protect your friend?"

The situation kept reversing course, and everyone was starting to feel like their brains couldn't keep up.

Nicole pressed a hand to her forehead in exasperation. "What on earth is going on?"

Landon gently held her hand, leaned in close, and whispered something.

Nicole looked shocked, casting a half-believing glance at Charlotte. "Are you saying that's true?"

Landon raised an eyebrow and patted Nicole's hand. "Just wait. The truth will come out very soon."

After guessing and waiting for so many years, things were finally coming to light.

Seeing the crowd's emotions stirred up again by Sabrina, Charlotte gave her a cool glance, then calmly reached into her bag and pulled something out.

When Nicholas saw what Charlotte had placed on the table, his eyes went wide. "That's Nova's mask!"

Even Maurice couldn't stay seated. "Yes! That's right—it's definitely Nova's butterfly mask."

Despite Landon's earlier hint, Nicole still stood up excitedly. "Nova really is here."

With confirmation from several authoritative figures, no one dared question the mask's authenticity anymore.

Still, Sabrina refused to give up.

"Charlotte, that mask may be real—though I have no idea where you got it—but that doesn't mean Nova is actually here."

Watching Sabrina's relentless pursuit, Charlotte let out a cold laugh. "Oh really? Then take a look at this."