Winter's face went deathly pale. She quickly covered her chest.
She looked up at Regina, who was standing to the side with an innocent expression. She managed to see her slip a razor blade in between her fingers.
Before Winter could call her out, Regina threw the blame at her first.
"Winnie, I know you're trying to get Mr. Jager's attention, but at least pick the right occasion. Were you trying to embarrass him on purpose by stripping like that in public?"
Winter shot back immediately, "Regina, you clearly cut my strap—"
"Enough, Winter!" Liam roared with disgust in his eyes. "I should have seen through you earlier. Using something this shameless just to draw attention is pathetic!"
Disappointment seeped into Winter's gaze. "Regina cut my strap. If you don't believe me, check her fingers. She's hiding a blade."
Suspicion flickered in Liam's eyes. "Regina, was it you?"
Regina shook her head.
"No. Liam, do you really not trust me?"
She widened her eyes, and tears spilled down her cheeks. "I shouldn't have come here in the first place. I'm the third person. I'll leave and never come back again!"
Liam immediately pulled her into his arms. "I only reacted that way because I didn't want you to be mistreated. I believe you."
Regina looked at Winter over his shoulder. Her eyes were crinkled in a faint smile.
"Winnie loves you too much. Don't blame her for it. I'll go help her get changed."
Liam looked down at Winter, who was crouched helplessly on the floor. "You wrongly accused Regina, and yet she's still speaking up for you. Think about your actions, Winter."
After changing, Winter walked past Regina and headed for the exit.
Regina stepped in front of her. "Who do you think you are to compete with me?"
Regina dropped her innocent act and revealed her true colors while they were in a quiet corner.
Winter smiled. "I'm not competing with you anymore. If you like Liam, take him."
Regina froze. She wasn't expecting her to give up so easily.
"At least you know your place," she said, stepping in front of Winter with crossed arms. She had her back to the staircase.
"I won't replace you until Liam completely despises you."
Winter didn't want to argue with her anymore. "He already despises me. All we're missing is a divorce certificate."
A dangerous glint flashed in Regina's eyes.
"Isn't your bed-ridden father still alive?"
Winter's mind filled with Richard's pale face. He had held on for seven years. He could've gotten a new heart.
"You don't get to talk about him," Winter roared.
A second later, Regina screamed for help and tumbled down the stairs.
Winter instinctively reached out, but only managed to grab the edge of her dress.
Guests rushed over at the sound. What they saw was Winter standing at the top of the stairs with her hand still outstretched, and Regina unconscious at her feet.
"Regina!"
Liam's face drained of color. He shoved through the crowd, scooped Regina up, and held her tight.
"Regina, you're scaring me!"
Winter didn't think Regina would go that far just to frame her. "Liam, I didn't—"
The air around him turned icy.
"You didn't do it. It wasn't you," Liam mocked. "Winter, do you even believe that yourself? I saw it with my own eyes. You can't stand Regina. You've targeted her again and again, and this time, you nearly killed her."
All eyes turned to Winter.
"Who would've thought someone so beautiful could be so rotten inside?"
"Pretty face, but ugly heart."
"That poor girl keeps giving in, but she just keeps pushing her."
…
"I say we call the police and have her arrested!"
Panic surged through Winter. Richard's condition could take a turn at any moment. She couldn't leave his side.
"Liam, it really wasn't me. She did it herself—"
Liam stepped closer to her and grabbed her chin. "You've disappointed me beyond words. You'll never learn unless you're punished by the law."
He pulled out his phone and made the call.
Winter trembled as she looked up at him. "Liam, you can't do this. My dad—"
He raised his hand and slapped her hard across the face. "Whether he lives or dies has nothing to do with me."
The noisy crowd fell silent.
Winter froze. The metallic taste of blood filled her mouth.
The police arrived soon after and led Winter away in handcuffs.
