Chapter 470

Tears cascaded down Katherine's delicate cheeks. Her porcelain features twisted in distress, making her appear heartbreakingly vulnerable.

"Take a deep breath. Tell me what's wrong." Evelyn's voice was steady as she handed over a tissue.

Katherine's sobs intensified, drawing curious glances from passersby. Evelyn's brow furrowed slightly at the unwanted attention.

After several shuddering breaths, Katherine finally composed herself. "Ms. Carter... VERE Jewelry canceled my endorsement deal. And Ms. Whitmore... she struck me." Her trembling finger pointed to a faint mark on her cheekbone.

Evelyn's expression darkened. She knew Sophia Whitmore intimately - the woman had clawed her way to success through sheer talent and relentless work ethic.

Sophia wasn't the type to initiate conflict. Evelyn would stake her reputation on that.

"Walk me through exactly what happened," Evelyn said evenly.

Katherine misinterpreted Evelyn's calm as belief. She launched into a dramatic retelling, carefully omitting key details and exaggerating others.

Evelyn listened with growing disbelief. The story was riddled with inconsistencies. "Let me clarify - you're saying Ms. Whitmore personally terminated your contract?"

"Yes!" Katherine nodded eagerly, missing Evelyn's skeptical tone. "She's targeting me! Her employee made a mistake with the necklace, but she demanded I pay for it."

Katherine clutched Evelyn's arm desperately. "She took thirty million dollars from me like it was nothing. My entire savings! You have to make this right."

A cold smile touched Evelyn's lips. The pieces weren't fitting together. There had to be more to this story.

"If you've truly been wronged, I'll ensure justice is served."

Katherine's eyes lit up with triumph. Perhaps Evelyn and Sophia's friendship wasn't as strong as rumored.

"Thank you! Just get my money back and-"

Evelyn held up a hand. "Before I intervene, I need the full truth. Your version has... gaps."

Katherine paled. "What do you mean?"

"You said this happened in a backstage lounge at Longacre?" Evelyn's gaze sharpened. "Every private room there has 24/7 surveillance. Shall we review the footage together?"

Katherine swayed on her feet. "Surveillance?" Her voice cracked with panic.

"Standard practice for high-profile venues." Evelyn tilted her head. "Surely you knew that, Ms. Whitaker?"

Katherine's mouth opened and closed like a fish. Her carefully constructed story was crumbling.

"That won't be necessary!" she blurted. "Our company still hopes to work with VERE Jewelry in the future. This... misunderstanding isn't worth damaging that relationship."

She forced a shaky smile. "My personal loss means nothing compared to Kingsley Industries' interests."