Chapter 412

Juliette Blackwood let out a derisive laugh that echoed through the lavish penthouse.

She couldn't decide whether Evelyn Carter was blissfully ignorant of the gravity of the situation or simply didn't care.

Her voice oozed with contempt as she sneered, "Evelyn, darling. How can you possibly think about sipping tea at a time like this? In thirty minutes, your entire reputation will be in ruins. Let's see if you'll still be smiling then."

Evelyn merely shrugged, swirling the amber liquid in her crystal glass. "Is that so? We'll see about that."

As the minute hand on her diamond-encrusted watch hit 10:30, her lips curved into a knowing smile. "The curtain's rising."

Before Juliette could process the meaning, her phone buzzed urgently. "Ms. Blackwood, we have a situation."

The color drained from Juliette's face as the voice on the line delivered devastating news. "That's impossible! Absolutely impossible!"

Slamming her phone down, she whirled on Evelyn with venom in her eyes. "You! This was all your doing! You vicious little -"

"Now, now," Evelyn interrupted smoothly, crossing her legs with effortless grace. "I believe the term is 'poetic justice,' wouldn't you agree?"

Juliette's legs gave way beneath her, saved only by her bodyguard's quick reflexes.

"Juliette," Evelyn continued, her voice turning icy, "you tried to frame me for plagiarism. Now the truth is out - the celebrated designer Jion is nothing but a fraud."

Clenching her fists until her manicured nails drew blood, Juliette gasped, "How did you uncover this?"

She had been certain all evidence had been erased - even the files Nathan Sterling possessed had been destroyed.

Evelyn's eyes gleamed with triumph. "The how doesn't matter, Ms. Blackwood. What matters is - who exactly are you?"

Juliette threw back her head with hysterical laughter. Even with all Evelyn's digging, she'd only uncovered the surface.

Her true identity remained safely hidden.

This realization sparked a flicker of hope.

"Patience, Evelyn!" Juliette taunted, regaining her composure. "All in good time."

She straightened her designer dress with deliberate slowness. "I may have lost this round, and that billion dollars. But I will make you regret humiliating me over it."

Evelyn's gaze sharpened. The mention of the specific amount confirmed her suspicions.

"A billion dollars? Why that exact sum, Ms. Blackwood? Why not more?"

Juliette's smile turned predatory. "That's the million-dollar question, isn't it? Or should I say... billion?"

She took a step closer, her perfume cloying in the tense air. "This is merely the opening act, Evelyn. The best games are played slowly."

With a dramatic clap of her hands, Juliette spun on her heels. "Today you've destroyed everything I've built in the design world. But mark my words - I will ruin you completely. Your reputation, your relationships, everything you hold dear."

Each syllable dripped with malice as she strode toward the exit, her bodyguard in tow.

Evelyn watched the dramatic departure, pieces suddenly clicking into place. Turning to Harrison Whitmore, her eyes widened with realization. "Harrison... I think I know who she really is."