Chapter 417

The assistant stood nervously in the office, clutching a stack of documents. "Juliette, our major partners have severed ties with us. They're demanding compensation for contract breaches."

He swallowed hard before continuing. "Suppliers are requesting full refunds for delivered goods. Our flagship store is drowning in returns. All manufacturing has ceased."

"The damage control isn't working." His voice trembled. "No one cares about our discounts or explanations anymore."

Silence filled the room like toxic gas.

Juliette's face twisted with rage. With one violent sweep of her arm, she sent everything on her desk crashing to the floor. Papers scattered like frightened birds.

"Get out! All of you worthless idiots!" she screamed.

The assistant flinched but held his ground. "Juliette, if this continues... our design house won't survive the month—"

"Then let it burn!" Juliette's shrill voice cut through the air. "You're all incompetent fools anyway! What do I pay you for? To stand there looking pathetic?"

She paced like a caged animal. "Either fix this disaster immediately or pack your things! Useless trash, every single one of you!"

To everyone's shock, the assistant slammed his files onto the nearest surface. "I quit! You can take this job and shove it! Who do you think you are?"

His face flushed with anger. "I'm not your punching bag, Juliette. I'm a human being with actual skills. Keep your damn job!"

He stormed out without looking back.

One by one, other staff members set down their work and followed.

Juliette's scream echoed through the emptying office. "Leave then! See if I care! The world won't miss your pathetic existence!"

Soon, only a handful remained.

Juliette collapsed into her chair with hysterical laughter. This was all Evelyn's fault. That scheming, backstabbing witch.

Her manicured nails dug into the armrests. "Evelyn Carter, you'll pay for this," she whispered with venom.

The ringing of her private phone startled her. Few had this number - it had to be important.

The caller's words turned Juliette's face ashen. "What? How? Which hospital? I'm coming now!"

She grabbed her purse in panic, rushing toward the elevators.

But downstairs, a swarm of reporters ambushed her in the lobby.

"Juliette! Care to comment on the plagiarism scandal?"

"After championing original designs, how do you face your betrayed followers?"

"Was stealing another designer's work worth destroying your career?"

Juliette staggered back, shielding her face. "Security! Where are—"

No guards came to her rescue. Camera flashes blinded her as microphones jabbed toward her like weapons. Trapped against the wall, Juliette realized with sickening clarity - there was no way back.