She Was the Treasure All Along novel Chapter 178

The scandal from the Steinway competition, where Sybil was caught cheating and had falsely accused Loyce, had sent Gordon into a rage. He called a special family meeting, and all of Loyce’s brothers were present.

After a unanimous decision, they announced their intention to separate from Edgar’s branch of the family.

The color drained from Edgar’s face. The coffee cup in his hand slipped, shattering on the floor. Hot liquid splashed onto his trousers, but he didn’t seem to notice.

“Gordon!” he stammered. “I’ve been with the Lonsdale family for over thirty years! I may not have been a star, but I’ve certainly put in the work! And for a small matter like this…”

“A small matter?” Forrest scoffed, rising from his seat. “Bribing judges, framing Loyce for plagiarism, and putting on a public spectacle—you call that a small matter?”

His sharp gaze shifted to Alicia. “Not to mention, certain people were also involved in fabricating evidence and slander.”

Alicia’s face turned ashen, her fingers digging into her handbag. “Forrest! What are you implying? Sybil did nothing wrong! She didn’t know anything. It was all my doing!”

“Enough!” Gordon raised a hand, his aged voice carrying an undeniable authority. “Edgar, I have treated you well over the years. The deed to Serenity Manor was transferred to Loyce’s name long ago. That is a fact. I’m giving you one week to move out.”

Forrest suddenly rose and walked toward Alicia. The sheer force of his presence seemed to suffocate her as he spoke, his voice icy. “Sybil didn’t make the Lonsdale family. We, the Lonsdale family, made her a high-society socialite. Everything she has enjoyed for years rightfully belonged to our sister, Loyce.”

“I never minded Sybil using the Lonsdale name to build her social standing, as long as she truly accepted Loyce as her cousin. But now…” Forrest’s face was a mask of indifference. “You plotted against her and tried to ruin her. The evidence is sitting in my office drawer. Do you really want me to present all of it and have our legal department handle this?”

Alicia’s face went white. She stumbled back, bumping into the table behind her. Her lips trembled, but she couldn’t utter another word of protest.

Gordon sighed heavily and stood up, leaning on his cane. “Alicia, we have not been unkind to Sybil all these years. She attended the best schools, wore the most expensive gowns, and frequented high-society galas. All of that should have been Loyce’s.”