Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 535

Chapter 535

As the footage played, the scene shifted. Helen appeared in the hallway, holding a sealed evidence bag freshly collected from the sampling process.

Just as she turned the corner, a maid hurried down the stairs and collided with her. The impact sent the bag tumbling from Helen’s hand to the floor.

The maid quickly bent to help, picked up the bag, and handed it back. At first glance, nothing seemed wrong.

But anyone who looked closely could see it-the Bag the maid returned wasn’t the same one Helen had dropped. She had switched it.

Sitting beside Leon as the video played, Helen went pale. Her eyes widened in panic. “Mr. Kingston, I swear I didn’t notice anything at the time! That maid was from the Hutton family, wasn’t she? I never imagined anyone from their household would tamper with the samples, so I didn’t think to be cautious!”

Across the table, James’ expression hardened.

“So what you’re saying is that even though the switch happened right in front of you, it’s not your fault? It’s all on the Hutton family?” he questioned sharply.

After Duncan had retrieved every camera angle from that night’s birthday party, he and Diana had spent hours combing through the footage. They had watched it again and again until two nights ago, when they finally caught this moment.

Since Leon happened to be in Jouleston on business, they arranged this meeting. They hadn’t intended to accuse anyone outright-only to get answers. But before they could even ask, Helen had spoken first, practically exposing herself.

James’ patience snapped. He already knew his sister’s decision to proceed with the divorce was tied to this woman. Thus, his tone was glacial.

Helen realized her mistake and clenched her fists.

“That’s not what I meant,” she said quickly. “I just never thought someone from the Hutton family would-”

“Not thinking is one thing,” Diana interrupted coolly. “But not seeing?”

She dragged the playback bar back and replayed the exact moment of the switch. “Watch carefully.”

Helen’s face drained of color. On the screen, the maid’s movements were unmistakable and so was the fact that Helen’s eyes had flicked right over them. She had seen it and done nothing.

Leon’s brow furrowed, his voice edged with danger. “What is this supposed to mean? Are you trying to force her into confessing to some imagined conspiracy?”

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Diana’s tone stayed level. “The sample was tampered with while under your staff’s supervision. I only want to know how that happened. Is that so unreasonable?”

Albus himself had already questioned the maid in question, but she refused to speak.

That was why Diana had hoped Helen might slip. She only wanted to know where that fake sample-the one claiming Florence was the biological mother-had come from.

“Mr. Kingston, please don’t argue with Ms. Hutton because of me,” Helen murmured, tugging at his sleeve like a frightened child.

She stood, bowed slightly, and spoke in a trembling voice filled with rehearsed remorse. “Ms. Hutton, I truly was careless. My negligence caused trouble for your family, and I sincerely apologize. I’m sorry.”

Her eyes shimmered with tears, her tone soft and pitiful.

Diana drew in a steadying breath, forcing back her anger. When she spoke, her words were clipped and clear. “Tell me, Mr. Kingston, is this how your subordinates usually apologize when they make mistakes? Crying first, pretending to be wronged, as if we’re the ones bullying them?”

Her calm tone cut through the room more sharply than a shout.

Leon’s face darkened. He stood, disappointment flashing in his eyes. “And you, Diana, do you ever stop to think that maybe it’s you? Always hiding behind your family name, never letting anyone else speak?”

Without waiting for a response, he seized Helen’s wrist and strode toward the door.

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