Chapter 411

Juliette's piercing laughter echoed through the room like shattering glass. The harsh sound made everyone wince involuntarily.

She finally composed herself after what felt like an eternity, wrenching her arm free from Evelyn's grasp. "What absolute nonsense!" Juliette spat, her voice dripping with venom. "If I'm not Juliette Blackwood, then who exactly am I supposed to be?"

"That's precisely what I'd like to know."

Evelyn's gaze remained steely as she studied Juliette's every microexpression, searching for any crack in the facade.

But Juliette merely tossed her hair back with another mocking laugh. "Is this your so-called evidence, Evelyn? Pathetic. This proves nothing."

"Does this exonerate you? Hardly! The truth remains that you plagiarized my work. I suggest you stop harassing me with these absurd accusations."

Evelyn arched an eyebrow. "So you're refusing to admit it?"

Juliette drew herself up with theatrical indignation. "Admit what? That I need to prove my own identity? The burn scars aren't visible because I had reconstructive surgery - modern medicine works wonders."

"As for the blood type discrepancy, clearly there was an administrative error during university registration. And your most ridiculous claim? That my design style changed? That's the most laughable thing I've ever heard!"

"Every artist evolves over time. My early work was immature - now I've refined my technique. Is growth suddenly a crime?"

The room fell silent.

Juliette had counterarguments ready for every accusation, delivered with flawless conviction. Evelyn couldn't help but admire the woman's quick thinking and composure under pressure.

She actually found herself applauding.

Juliette blinked in confusion. "What are you clapping for?"

"Bravo, Ms. Blackwood," Evelyn said calmly. "Your performance is Oscar-worthy. Such wasted talent - you should consider Hollywood."

"Look who's talking, Evelyn! We're two of a kind."

Evelyn shook her head with a pitying sigh. "The tragedy is... no amount of silver-tongued lies can change facts. You may deny impersonating the real Juliette, but truth has a way of surfacing."

With deliberate slowness, Evelyn produced the death certificate from Adelaide.

"This should settle matters once and for all, don't you think?"

Juliette's mask slipped for a split second. "How did you get that?" she blurted, lunging forward to snatch the document.

Evelyn pivoted smoothly out of reach. "No need for dramatics. It's just a copy - I'd be happy to give you one."

Juliette's fists slammed onto the table with enough force to rattle the teacups. Then came that unnerving laugh again. "Evelyn, you never came here to negotiate in good faith. All this digging proves you wanted a confrontation."

"Fine. If I can't get my billion dollars..." Her voice turned venomous. "I. Will. Destroy. You."

Snatching her phone, Juliette barked a single command: "Execute it!"

While Juliette raged, Evelyn remained preternaturally calm. She pulled out a chair and seated herself with regal poise.

Harrison materialized with a steaming teapot, pouring Evelyn a cup with practiced elegance. She took a deliberate sip, savoring the aroma. "Excellent tea, Ms. Blackwood. Pity about the company."