Chapter 251

In the VIP hospital room, Miriam Whitmore held her daughter Celine Valmont's hand, whispering words of comfort.

"Mom, how dare that bitch spread such lies!" Celine clenched the bed rail so tightly her nails nearly dug into the wood.

A dark glint flashed in Miriam's eyes. "Be patient. We'll deal with it after your father wakes up."

Celine's chest heaved with rage. Her social media feed was already flooded with reposts of Aria Bennett's exposé. Those society girls who used to fawn over her were now laughing at her expense.

"I'll make her wish she were dead," Celine hissed through gritted teeth.

Just then, Lucien Valmont's fingers twitched on the hospital bed.

"Dad's waking up!" Instantly switching to a concerned expression, Celine rushed to his side.

When Lucien opened his eyes and saw the two women hovering over him, his face darkened further.

Miriam immediately burst into tears. "Lucien, I never imagined Vera would do such things..."

While dabbing her eyes, she stole glances at Lucien's reaction. Seeing his expression soften slightly, she pressed her advantage. "I've already confined Vera to her room for reflection. We'll make her apologize to Evelyn properly—"

Lucien waved a tired hand. "Tell her not to come back."

Celine's phone suddenly vibrated violently. Seeing her boyfriend's name on the caller ID, she hurried into the hallway.

"Your mother's dirty laundry is all over trending topics!" he spat before she could speak. "We're done!"

Celine froze as if struck by lightning. "Let me explain—"

"Explain what? The entire elite circle knows everything!" His cold laugh sent chills down her spine. "Your mother's affairs, how you stole your best friend's fiancé—who doesn't know now?"

The line went dead. With trembling fingers, Celine opened Pulse. The top three trending hashtags glared back at her:

#WhitmoreMistressScandal

#CelineTheHomewrecker

#HeiressShowdown

The comments section was even worse:

"Professional homewreckers, the both of them."

"Heard Miss Valmont tried seducing Roman Vale at the gala too!"

"DM me your rates, sugar~"

Her vision blurred. The phone clattered to the floor. Celine had always been the pampered socialite—when had she ever suffered such humiliation?

"Aria... Bennett..." She ground out the name between clenched teeth, eyes burning with hatred.

Back in the room, Miriam was still coaxing Lucien in honeyed tones. "Darling, don't upset yourself—"

Celine burst in, face ashen. "Mom! It's everywhere!"

Miriam took one look at the phone and nearly fainted. The vulgar comments on social media stabbed at her like knives.

"This...this..." Her lips trembled before she whirled toward Lucien. "You must defend our honor!"

Puzzled, Lucien took the phone. His face turned livid within seconds. As he scrolled, his breathing grew ragged.

"Disgraceful!" he roared suddenly, hurling the phone against the wall.

Both women jumped in fright.

"Dad, it's all Aria's lies—" Celine began desperately.

"Lies?" Lucien sneered. "Are these photoshopped too?"

He pointed at the shattered screen, where crystal-clear images showed Miriam entering hotels with different men.

Celine's legs gave out. She collapsed to the floor in a heap. At that moment, she knew—this time, they were truly finished.