Chapter 226

Lainey wasted no time after her performance at the Benton family's villa, eager to face the cameras and seize the moment.

The press conference hall buzzed with anticipation. Reporters and photographers packed the space, every lens trained on the woman standing beneath the bright lights. She wore a simple black dress, her sorrow painted for everyone to see.

"I appreciate everyone's concern. I promise to stay strong and carry out my parents' wishes by leading the Benton Group with integrity," Lainey remarked with red-rimmed eyes, her tone quivering for effect. "I will also be donating a portion of my inheritance to charity, in hopes of honoring my parents and bringing them peace."

Flashes went off as the reporters murmured in approval. Here was the heiress of the Benton family, carrying her loss with poise and still thinking of the greater good.

A few even whispered about her compassion and social responsibility.

But Lainey wasn't finished.

The room erupted as Lainey shifted gears and delivered her next statement.

With a slow, dramatic bow, she met the cameras head-on, her wide-eyed innocence almost too perfect. "I need everyone here to keep an eye on the investigation. Why was Miss Eleanor Warren there that day? And is it possible her actions are connected to my parents' deaths?"

She paused for a trembling breath, then continued, voice cracking, "Out of respect for those we've lost, I truly don't want to throw accusations around. All I'm asking is for the Enigma Group and the police to explain what happened and help my family find some closure."

Whispers and flashes filled the air, the accusation barely disguised.

Lillian's patience snapped. Shoving her way through the sea of reporters, she stormed the stage, fire blazing in her eyes.

"You're unbelievable, Lainey! How dare you twist things like this? If Eleanor really started the fire,why would she risk everything to run back in?" Lillian retorted, voice ringing with outrage. "You're turning the tables,blaming the innocent! Everyone's about to see what you're really like, and I won't let you fool them any longer!"

Lillian's fury only seemed to amuse Lainey, who stood her ground, a flicker of satisfaction breaking through her tearful expression.

Secretly, she relished the outburst. The louder Lillian grew, the easier it was to paint herself as the wounded party.

She let her shoulders shake and took a faltering step backward, eyes wide with feigned terror as tears streaked down her cheeks.

"Ms. Brooks; I understand your loyalty to Eleanor," Lainey said, voice trembling for effect. "But please, put yourself in my shoes. I just lost my parents, and all I want is the truth. If Eleanor was truly innocent, then why was she at the scene that night? Can you give us a reason?"

The question landed like a stone, leaving Lillian speechless.

Her mouth opened, but nothing came out.

The question echoed in Lillian's mind too-why had Eleanor shown up at the Benton family's villa in the first place?

She found herself at a loss, uncertainty swirling in her mind.

She couldn't deny it-if Eleanor had stayed away, she might still be alive.

Every camera in the room focused directly on Lillian, turning her confusion into tomorrow's headlines.

Reporter after reporter murmured, their hushed voices filling the air with suspicion and doubt.

"Isn't the Brooks girl acting way out of line right now?" "Seriously. Lainey just lost both her parents, and here comes Lillian making things even harder. There's not a shred of compassion in her."

"Lillian thinks her family's money gives her a free pass to treat people however she likes."

Lillian heard every word, her hands trembling and her cheeks burning with fury.

A firm grip suddenly caught her arm.

Ryland appeared beside her, face set in a grim frown as he pulled his sister away from the crowd. "That's enough,Lillian."

At this point, the entire room sympathized with Lainey, casting her in the role of the helpless victim.

Any more drama would only give Lainey more support, and Ryland knew it.

Lillian wanted to argue, her lips parted for a retort, but the warning in her brother's eyes made her bite her tongue.

Letting out a shaky breath, Ryland finally turned to Lainey, forcing a polite apology."Miss Gilbert, please accept my apologies. My sister can be hotheaded. I hope you'll forgive her behavior."

Lainey had no plans to let the matter drop.

She delicately dabbed at her eyes with a silk handkerchief, shooting Lillian a look laced with disdain."Mr.Brooks, you might want to teach your sister how to behave. It's hard to see any grace or class in such unruly conduct, especially from someone raised in a family like yours."

Every worddripped with sarcasm, her smile never reaching her eyes.

"You!" Lillian's anger threatened to boil over all ovêr again.

Ryland stepped in swiftly, forcing a strained smile as he seized her by the arm and steered her out of the spotlight.