"she coaxed.

Douglass, still struggling to comprehend the situation, recognized only that tension existed between Lyndon's family and Scarlet's family.

They had nearly come to an argument during the meal earlier, so he assumed this was merely an extension of their ongoing discord.

In his mind, Alex represented an ally, so before departing, he cast a meaningful look at Lyndon. "Surely you can resolve this amicably. You're all family—violence serves no purpose."

"Indeed, just look at what you've done to Alex," Zola added disapprovingly while preparing to guide Douglass away.

Lyndon seized the moment with precision. "Mr. Lawrence, hold on. Douglass paused mid-step. "Is there something else?"

"There is indeed something you deserve to know," Lyndon replied calmly.

"What might that be?" Douglass inquired, his interest piqued.

Lyndon's penetrating gaze swept deliberately over Zola. "Aren't you curious about the whereabouts of your wife and your trusted aide an hour ago?"

At these words, Douglass narrowed his eyes, his keen gaze alternating between Alex and Zola.

Though their expressions flickered momentarily, both maintained an outward composure.

Zola affected an air of nonchalance. "An hour ago? Wasn't that shortly after our arrival at the banquet? I visited the restroom-is that somehow relevant?"

Alex hastened to corroborate her story. "An hour ago, I escorted Mrs. Lawrence to the restroom. Is there some issue with that?"

"Of course you can escort Mrs. Lawrence to the restroom, but hooking up with her is unacceptable." Lyndon's voice was laced with mockery, his gaze icy as he spoke.

Alex's face twisted with anger. "Lyndon, stop making baseless accusations! I told you-it was your wife who seduced me! Don't just take her word for it. You beat me up in a fit of rage, and now you have the audacity to slander me!"

"Slander you? I wouldn't waste my breath on lies." Lyndon scoffed, his expression unreadable. "You"

Alex started, but before he could finish, Lyndon's assistant arrived, holding a USB drive.

"Mr. Fernandez, the surveillance footage from the restroom is intact," he reported. "However, the surveillance outside the dressing room experienced a malfunction about an hour ago, and there's no video available."

A malfunction?

Lyndon's eyes narrowed. He turned to Alex, catching the faint smirk tugging at his lips, and understood what had happened.

No wonder Alex had been so cocky. He had already destroyed the footage.

Without evidence, it didn't matter what Lyndon or Tilda said -Alex could deny everything, and no one could prove him wrong.

Alex's smug satisfaction was written all over his face.

"Lyndon, I've always considered you family," he said, his tone dripping with false sincerity. "That's why I'm giving you some friendly advice—don't trust your wife too much." He sighed dramatically. "But instead of listening, you keep throwing false accusations my way. And worse, you dragged my boss and his wife into this mess. You owe them an apology."