Chapter 388

Evelyn's sharp ears caught the housekeeper's subtle phrasing. She leaned forward slightly. "You must have served the Blackwood family for decades now. That practically makes you part of the family."

The elderly woman nodded, her hands folded neatly in her lap. "I came into Miss Juliette's service when she was just a child. Nearly twenty years now."

A knowing glance passed between Evelyn and Harrison. She pressed gently, "Then you've witnessed Juliette's entire journey!"

The housekeeper's eyes softened with nostalgia.

"Miss Juliette was always such a dutiful child. Never gave Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood a moment's worry."

"Top of her class since primary school. Their pride and joy. She would have been happiest if they were still with us, but..." Her voice caught. "The accident five years ago took them both."

"Miss Juliette survived, but spent nearly two years recovering at St. Mary's Hospital. After that... she was never quite the same."

Harrison's brow furrowed. "Two years hospitalized? And you cared for her throughout?"

The housekeeper's hands trembled slightly. "The trauma changed her. We had no choice but to..." She trailed off abruptly. "Did Miss Juliette send you for her design portfolio?"

Evelyn nodded smoothly. "Yes. We'd be grateful for your assistance."

"Of course," the housekeeper replied, rising. "Though she has countless sketches - which particular collection do you require?"

Evelyn stood quickly. "Let me help you search-"

"No!" The sharpness startled them all. The housekeeper composed herself. "Miss Juliette's studio is strictly off-limits. I'll retrieve them."

Evelyn settled back with a polite smile. "We appreciate it."

The trio waited in tense silence until the housekeeper returned, arms laden with portfolios.

"Her talent was evident even as a girl. Mr. Blackwood always said she'd revolutionize fashion design."

"She's made them proud, even now. See if what you need is here. If not, I'll look further."

"Thank you," Evelyn murmured, spreading the drawings across the coffee table.

Juliette's skill was undeniable - every stroke spoke of mastery. But as Evelyn examined the dates, a pattern emerged: nearly all were pre-accident, bearing that distinctive subtle aesthetic.

The exact style of the original, unaltered designs.

Evelyn's pulse quickened. The car crash five years ago wasn't just tragedy - it was the missing piece.

She fixed the housekeeper with a piercing gaze. "These are all pre-accident works. Where are her recent designs?"