Chapter 252
"Who's funding your sudden rise to fame? Must be some wealthy benefactor."
The journalists' questions grew increasingly hostile, their words sharp as knives. Daphne's face drained of color as she looked at the crowd of former supporters surrounding her.
The admiration in their eyes vanished instantly. Voices rose in angry condemnation.
"We were fools to believe in you!"
"Thought we were backing a pure-hearted girl, not some gold-digging opportunist!"
"We're done here!"
Without hesitation, the crowd turned their backs, abandoning her completely.
Daphne knew her career was finished. This birthday celebration was supposed to be her triumphant moment, but instead became her spectacular downfall.
One minute she stood at the pinnacle of success, the next she was plunging into utter ruin.
What options remained?
Her gaze lifted to the imposing figure on the balcony above. Nathaniel stood motionless, his glacial stare cutting through her like winter wind. Those piercing eyes held the finality of a judge passing sentence.
He knew. Everything.
Two black-suited security guards shoved her toward the staircase. "Move!"
Her heel caught on the carpet, sending her crashing painfully to her knees before Nathaniel's polished dress shoes.
The billionaire barely turned his head, his contemptuous gaze sweeping over her trembling form.
"P-Please, Mr. Falcon... let me explain..." Daphne stammered.
Nathaniel's voice could have frozen hell itself. "By all means. Explain why you've been impersonating Harrison."
Her heart stopped. She'd prayed he hadn't discovered the truth about Harrison, but her worst nightmare had materialized.
"You... you knew?" Her voice barely registered as a whisper.
The cruel twist of Nathaniel's lips confirmed everything.
The door opened abruptly. Daniel entered. "Mr. Falcon."
Daphne's shock deepened. "You know Mr. Falcon?"
Daniel looked at her with undisguised disgust. "Mr. Falcon provided the pregnancy report. He arranged my invitation tonight. Without him, I'd never have seen your true nature."
The realization struck like a physical blow. Nathaniel had orchestrated everything - letting her climb to dizzying heights only to engineer her spectacular fall.
Ice flooded Daphne's veins as the full magnitude of her situation became clear. She'd unwittingly challenged someone far more dangerous than she'd ever imagined.
"Mr. Falcon, please! I was wrong! That night you were with Harrison, and I pretended to be her... I just couldn't stand her having what I wanted! Please, have mercy! I'll never-"
Her groveling pleas filled the silent room.
Nathaniel's expression could have turned wine to vinegar. Were it not for Harrison, this woman wouldn't even register in his memory.
"Every resource you've received is being withdrawn. You're blacklisted industry-wide. Your acting career is finished. Expect expulsion from Willowridge University. Pack your belongings and leave Willowbrook. If I ever see you again..."
Tears streamed down Daphne's face. Years of struggle to enter Willowridge, gone. The adoration of fans, vanished. The wealth and status she craved - all dissolving like morning mist.
Nathaniel turned sharply to leave.
"Mr. Falcon! Please!" Her desperate sobs echoed through the hall.
He paused just long enough to deliver his final verdict. "A smart woman knows her place. Did you truly believe you could compare to Harrison? Impersonating her will be the greatest mistake of your pathetic life."