Unmasking Mrs. Newton's Secret Identities novel Chapter 1770

"So, are you admitting to every accusation Isabelle has made against you?" Thorley asked, eager to convict "Kaylee".

Helen's eyes lingered on him for a moment. She studied him with a trace of disdain before redirecting her focus ahead.

With quiet authority, she raised her voice. "It's quite the opposite, actually. My decision to withdraw is meant to uphold the fairness and integrity of this process.

"Prince Carl and Princess Anna agreed to let me participate out of goodwill, recognizing my daughter's passion. It was intended as a courtesy, yet it has stirred up dissatisfaction.

"The designer selection is meant to benefit the people of both nations. I refuse to let my personal issues derail this election.

"My withdrawal is not an admission of guilt; it's the most efficient way to resolve this controversy. What matters to me is the greater good—the interests of the people."

At her words, Isabelle shot up from her seat. "Quit pretending to be the victim! All this talk about caring for others is just a cover for your own moral shortcomings!"

Helen stepped forward, holding Isabelle's gaze without a trace of fear. "And what if I do have moral shortcomings? As long as I'm not in the running for the designer position, who has the right to dictate how I should live my life?"

She stopped just half a step away from Isabelle, the distance between them barely a fist's width.

The sheer force of Helen's indifference made Isabelle's throat tighten. She instinctively swallowed hard, feeling her nervousness rise.

After a moment, she shook off the discomfort, her eyes flaring with renewed aggression. She had come all this way to confront Carl and Chandler, not to let "Kaylee" flaunt her unconventionality.

"You should be more selective about the women you associate with. Love should be mutual, and if Ms. Terzian truly cares for you, she should understand that now is not the time to be a burden."

"Your Highness, are you suggesting that Chandler should leave me?" Helen retorted with a sneer. "Let's not forget, this is Grand Cathay, not a domain where you can wield absolute power."

Carl's expression shifted, a mix of anger and disbelief crossing his face. "Ms. Terzian, are you threatening me? As the representative of Yorga, do I not have the right to evaluate the qualifications of the candidates?"

"Everything is reciprocal. You've meddled in my relationship with Chandler and shown blatant disrespect. So why should I be expected to respect you or comply with your demands?"

Helen had reached her breaking point with Carl's hypocritical tactics, standing her ground with unshakeable defiance.