Chapter 227

Dominic finally allowed Evelyn to leave Frenda after she accepted his terms. The moment she arrived in Pamore, her first stop was to see Edmund.

In a professor's office at Pamore University, Edmund was surrounded by students, analyzing Evelyn's designs from the recent fashion showcase.

"Professor Whitaker, the success of this show hinges entirely on the central piece's innovative structure," Preston Whitmore, one of Edmund's top students, pointed out.

Edmund nodded in agreement.

"Absolutely. This collection made an unprecedented impact. We've already received invitations from three major international fashion weeks."

Gasps filled the room. "Does that mean we'll get to attend Paris Fashion Week?" a wide-eyed student asked.

Edmund smiled. "It wasn't easy breaking into the global scene. Before this, international critics dismissed our work as derivative. They claimed we lacked the vision to create commercially viable designs. Now we've proven them wrong."

The group of twenty-somethings buzzed with excitement—except for one.

Garrett Winslow leaned against the window, his expression dripping with disdain.

"These designs are painfully mediocre. The so-called 'visionary' behind them clearly has no grasp of real artistry."

The room fell silent.

"Garrett," Preston said sharply, "are you insulting our entire program?"

Garrett scoffed. "Cassandra's work was ten times more sophisticated. I still don't understand why Professor Whitaker let an amateur like Evelyn Carter represent our university."

At the mention of Cassandra Winslow, Edmund's face darkened.

The other students exchanged uneasy glances. Cassandra's plagiarism scandal was still a sore subject.

"Watch your tone, Garrett. Either contribute constructively or leave."

"You're all blind if you can't see Cassandra was railroaded," Garrett shot back. "She was objectively more talented than Evelyn. This reeked of favoritism from the start."

An awkward silence descended. Edmund's jaw tightened.

Just then, the door opened.

"Professor Whitaker?"

Evelyn's arrival softened Edmund's stern expression. "Evelyn, perfect timing. We were just discussing your collection."

The students immediately brightened, flocking to her like starstruck fans.

"Ms. Carter, your structural draping technique was revolutionary!"

"Could I shadow at Kingsley Industries this summer?"

"Would you sign my sketchbook?"

Evelyn laughed, charmed by their enthusiasm. "Of course, I'd love to have you all."

Garrett watched from the sidelines, his hands balling into fists. While Cassandra rotted in jail, this fraud was being worshipped.

In his eyes, Evelyn had stolen Cassandra's spotlight through nepotism alone.

"How touching," he sneered. "Must be nice skating by on family connections. No talent required when you've got a Kingsley last name, huh?"

The room froze.

Evelyn turned slowly. "Excuse me?"

Garrett stepped forward, eyes blazing. "You heard me. People like you make a mockery of this industry. Real designers spend years honing their craft while you waltz in and steal opportunities from actual artists. Have you no shame?"

The air crackled with tension as Evelyn met his glare without flinching.