Chapter 187 I Saw It and Know the Truth

Chapter 187 I Saw It and Know the Truth

"I just want a reason right now. I want to know why. Is that too much to ask?" Claire continued looking at Harper with wounded eyes.

Evan stepped forward at that moment. "I saw it too. Harper pushed Sophie. You're just jealous, bitter about the divorce with my brother. You wanted to humiliate Sophie! You owe her an apology!"

Sophie had lured people over to the pool area, while Evan vouched for Claire. This was the plan the group had hatched together.

Of course, the original plan had been different. They'd meant to push Harper into the water, with Evan testifying that Claire hadn't done it and Sophie bringing witnesses to see Harper's humiliation, forcing her to leave in disgrace.

But the plan had gone sideways. Still, Evan reacted quickly, immediately testifying that Harper had pushed Claire. Though it deviated from the script, it didn't stop them from continuing the performance.

The onlookers had already been skeptical, but Evan's words tipped the scales in Claire's favor. More and more people began criticizing Harper, their murmurs growing louder.

Harper's expression remained unchanged. She pulled out her phone. "Like I said, we'll let the police handle this. They'll get to the truth. If the police determine I pushed Claire, I'll apologize and pay compensation."

At Claire's signal, Evan lunged forward to grab Harper's phone. He didn't manage to snatch it, but he successfully interrupted her call to the police.

Claire leaned back into Evan's arms, looking fragile and weak. "Miss Wilson, I don't want to pursue this anymore. Let's just drop it. Evan, take me back to my room to change..."

Evan glanced at Harper, then carried Claire away. Sophie and Evan hurried after them, though Evan shot Harper several venomous glares before leaving.

Because Claire and Evan had stopped Harper from calling the police and voluntarily dropped the matter, some of the onlookers began to reconsider. They figured Claire must be feeling guilty, that things probably hadn't happened the way she claimed.

After all, Harper hadn't shown a trace of guilt from start to finish. That suggested Claire might be lying. People's opinions of her began to shift.

With the main players gone, the crowd dispersed in twos and threes.

"I know Claire pushed you, not the other way around. And she's the one who fell into the pool herself." Nicholas stood beside Harper, watching Evan's retreating figure as he spoke.

Harper turned to him in surprise. "How do you know? Weren't you on Claire's side before, firmly supporting her?"

Nicholas met her gaze and pressed his lips together. "I saw it. Even now, I can't believe Claire would do something like this."

That was why he hadn't spoken up publicly just then. And there was another reason, after all, she was someone he'd protected for years.

Harper smiled faintly but said nothing. Some people needed facts staring them in the face before they'd believe that people had two sides. Some were excellent actors who could successfully fool many.

The next time Harper saw Claire, she'd changed into a pale yellow cocktail dress and was mingling with guests alongside Evan, her face wearing that practiced, gracious smile again.

Ruby was with them too, standing close to Sophie in a way that made their relationship obvious to anyone watching.

For reasons Harper couldn't quite pin down, when Claire, Sophie, and the others spotted her, they headed straight over, Evan and Ruby included.

Sophie stopped in front of Harper and slipped her hand through Ruby's arm, her face bright with a smile. "Harper, I have good news too. Ruby and I are getting married. Mason still has feelings for you, and you're divorced now, so I think you two should be together."

"If you don't mind, the three of us couples could get married together. It would be quite the celebration. Oh, and my family invested in Ruby's company, we've already multiplied our returns several times over..." Sophie's voice dripped with pride and superiority.

Harper's gaze settled on Ruby, her expression unreadable and faintly amused. "Sophie, you said your investment has multiplied several times. Have you actually received any money?"

Sophie faltered, because even though the money they'd invested had supposedly multiplied in value, they hadn't seen a dime of it yet.

Ruby had told them the returns would keep climbing, so there was no need to withdraw now. He'd reinvested the profits.

Claire jumped in. "Miss Wilson, with such a good project, of course we should keep investing. Of course we're not pulling the money out now. You wouldn't understand, there's no point explaining it to you. What do you think about Sophie's suggestion of a joint wedding?"

Harper shook her head, refusing without hesitation. "I'm not planning to get married anytime soon, so I'll pass. But here's some friendly advice, he's not the real Ruby. Be careful you're not being scammed."

Ruby's smile froze for a split second. He hadn't expected Harper to know he was an imposter. But he quickly recovered his composure before Claire, Sophie, or the others could notice.

"You're just jealous! Jealous of us! Ruby can't be fake. If you keep spreading lies, don't blame me for what happens." Sophie glared at Harper angrily.

Evan's tone was even harsher. "You just can't stand to see us happy. You already ruined things between Peter and me when we were so close. Now you're trying to sabotage Sophie and Ruby. Well, let me tell you, it won't work. We won't let you get away with it!"

Claire and the people around her chimed in with agreement. Only Evan stood by coldly, saying nothing.

Harper shook her head. She'd only spoken up because she didn't want this person scamming people under Ruby's identity. Since they didn't believe her, there was no point saying more. She'd warned them. Whether they believed her or not was their problem.

Too tired to argue further, Harper headed to the restroom. When she returned to the ballroom, the formal program had finally begun.

Harper found another corner to tuck herself into. She didn't want to draw attention, after all, today's event wasn't about her.

Sophie and Ruby's relationship was officially announced at the party. They'd be getting engaged in a month. The announcement drew a flood of congratulations, and the Turner family looked like their faces might crack from smiling.

Claire and Evan's relationship was also subtly revealed, and the Martinez family basked in flattery and compliments.

Watching both families, Harper hoped they could handle it when Ruby's fraud was exposed. She'd heard the Martinez family had invested too, quite a lot, apparently.

After the party, Harper returned to campus life. Evan continued chasing after Peter and occasionally causing trouble for Harper. Harper fought back every time. Evan never once got the upper hand.