Chapter 133

The stage came alive with the legendary tale of King Nathan toying with the feudal lords to win Evelyn’s elusive smile.

The performance followed the same dramatic style as the previous act. The actress playing Evelyn was breathtaking—though she had left the industry years ago, her beauty remained untouched beneath the artful makeup. She leaned against the windowsill, her expression heavy with sorrow, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. She embodied melancholy, like a caged bird longing for freedom.

As Julian, portraying King Nathan, passed by, his brow furrowed in frustration. "How can I make my beloved smile?"

A scheming vassal stepped forward, suggesting a grand spectacle—lighting the beacon fires to summon the lords, believing the absurdity would amuse her.

King Nathan considered it, then burst into laughter. "Brilliant!" he declared, sealing Evelyn’s fate.

Soon, she was led onto a towering platform, her distress palpable as King Nathan held her close, whispering empty comforts. Her entire posture screamed helplessness.

Then—the fires blazed. The thunder of hooves shook the earth as the lords arrived in a frenzy, demanding to know the enemy’s location.

But atop the platform, only King Nathan’s laughter echoed, joined by his treacherous courtiers.

Evelyn stared at the chaos below, stunned. She didn’t understand the significance of the beacons. All she felt was the suffocating weight of judgment from the furious men beneath her.

"My love, I arranged this for you," King Nathan murmured. "Why aren’t you laughing?"

Panic clawed at her throat. The situation was dire, yet the king expected amusement. So, she forced a brittle smile.

The moment she did, the lords realized they’d been deceived. Some erupted in fury, demanding answers.

King Nathan, ever the fool, merely grinned. "To amuse my queen is your honor."

Evelyn’s face drained of color. Below, countless eyes burned into her—accusing, condemning.

"You bewitched the king into this madness!"

The accusations rained down, branding her the downfall of a nation. The screen behind her lit up with centuries of historical slander:

She ruined Harisor. Beauty is a curse.

The stage darkened, a single spotlight illuminating Evelyn as she staggered to her feet, trembling.

"No… it wasn’t me!" she cried, voice breaking. "I was taken from my home, forced into this life. I never asked for this! I smiled because he demanded it—because everyone else laughed. And now I bear the blame?"

Her grief was raw, each word soaked in tears. The audience was spellbound. Compared to Evelyn’s earlier performance, this was masterful—every sob, every tremor, pulling them into her despair.

The live chat erupted.

"She’s incredible. If she hadn’t left the industry, she’d be a legend by now."

"Wait—wasn’t she the one caught in that scandal years ago?"

"The CEO’s wife destroyed her career over a lie!"

"This feels intentional. Team A-list is making a statement."

Then—a bombshell post surfaced, exposing the truth behind her downfall.

Years ago, a powerful CEO had pursued her, investing in films to lure her in. When she rejected him, he framed her, releasing manipulated footage that ruined her reputation. The wife, furious, had branded her a homewrecker.

But now—evidence proved she was coerced. The CEO had nearly bankrupted his own company with reckless investments, yet she bore the blame.

Sound familiar?

The parallels to King Nathan’s folly were undeniable.

The chat shifted.

"So she’s just like Evelyn—condemned for a man’s mistakes."

"Trust Evelyn. Something’s not right here."

On stage, Evelyn snatched up a bow, her tears glinting in the light as she aimed at the screen.

"I may be beautiful," she whispered, voice steel. "But I am no curse."

The arrow flew.

Silence. Then—applause.

The truth was out. And the world would never see her the same way again.

Live Chat Reactions:

"This changes everything."

"They set her up."

"Justice for Evelyn!"

The curtain fell. But the storm was just beginning.