With a stern expression, he confronted Theodore.

“What are you implying? Do you really want to dredge up events from over a decade ago? Did you not see for yourself just how mad she had become? ALL I've said is the truth, isn't it?"

Darian stubbornly argued, refusing to acknowledge his wrongdoings. But Theodore wasn't about to let him off easily. He signaled to the people around him, and moments later, a medicine bottle was presented to Darian.

Recognizing the bottle, Darian's face whitened, a surge of panic washing over him. He couldn't comprehend how the bottle, which he had ordered to be destroyed, was now here in front of him. Was it a replica?

He was sure he had perfectly executed his plans, carefully eliminated anyone involved, and left no trace of evidence.

"I don't recognize this. Don't think you can deceive me with some random bottle, Theodore!" Darian exclaimed, his face ashen, yet he remained steadfast in his denial.

Unruffled, Theodore responded, "This, Darian, is the evidence of your heinous act — the way you drove my mother to the brink of insanity.”

“What evidence? Don't spew nonsense! You..."

But before Darian could continue his defensive tirade, Theodore interjected, "If it weren't for you secretly poisoning her through the doctor, my mother would still be alive today."

He stopped, fixing a sarcastic gaze at Darian.

“And don't flatter yourself. The moment she discovered your infidelity, my mother was done with you. Your constant indecisiveness sickened her. She wanted out, but you wouldn't allow it. Fearful that she might expose you, you imprisoned her in that mansion for a decade. Can you even fathom the misery she endured during those years? Can you even begin to understand how she survived each passing day?"

Theodore's words echoed through the crowd, causing the guests to exchange disbelieving glances.

"Oh my goodness! How could Darian treat his wife in such a despicable manner? He is truly a horrible man," one of them exclaimed.

“No matter how strained their relationship had become, he simply should not have subjected his wife to such cruelty. How could he be so heartless?" another chimed in, his voice filled with dismay.

The people around them joined in, criticizing Darian for his actions.

Ariana, meanwhile, felt her eyes well up with tears as she watched Theodore's tall figure with a heavy heart.

In the past, even when Theodore relied on a wheelchair to move about, he had always held his head high. Ariana knew how deeply he cherished and missed Aimee.

Now, he was willingly exposing his wounded heart to everyone, a form of punishment that seemed unbearably cruel.

Theodore bravely confronted Darian face to face, providing his testimony, yet Darian stubbornly refused to admit the truth.

He persisted in denying the allegations, his voice laced with obstinacy.