Chapter 500
"I'm well aware many are waiting to watch me fail."
Juliette Blackwood tilted her chin up with practiced arrogance.
"But this face alone didn't get me where I am today."
Her manicured nails tapped against her champagne flute.
"Talent speaks louder than beauty in our world. And even if I stumble..."
A calculated pause.
"One must reach great heights before they can fall spectacularly, don't you think?"
Her gaze sharpened as it landed on Evelyn Carter.
"Shouldn't you be more concerned about your own predicament, Ms. Carter? That little wager with your board...quite the talk of the town."
Evelyn arched one perfect eyebrow. "Your network of informants impresses me, Ms. Blackwood."
Juliette's lips curled in triumph.
"Rumors suggested it was mere gossip, but here we are." She took a deliberate sip. "The deadline looms, yet victory seems...elusive for you."
A theatrical gasp.
"Could the Kingsley heiress truly be ousted from her own company?"
Her laughter tinkled like broken glass, echoed by the sycophants surrounding them.
Evelyn remained unshaken, her posture regal. "Your concern touches me, but is quite unnecessary."
"Of course." Juliette's smile turned razor-sharp. "Still, I'll wish you luck. Public humiliation can be so...crushing."
Something dangerous flickered in Evelyn's eyes.
This petty socialite would never witness her downfall.
"Mr. Langley approaches," Juliette's assistant murmured urgently.
Juliette's demeanor shifted instantly. "Where?"
She'd orchestrated this encounter precisely - the nanotech collaboration between Evelyn and Victor Langley was nearing completion.
Sabotaging it would guarantee Evelyn's loss.
The thought of Kingsley Industries ejecting their own princess sent thrills down Juliette's spine.
"There."
Juliette moved with predatory grace. "Mr. Langley! Juliette Blackwood of Blackwood Designs. Such an honor."
Her outstretched hand hung suspended in air as Victor strode past without acknowledgment.
The snub left her frozen mid-curtsy.
"Ms. Carter." Victor's voice warmed noticeably as he reached Evelyn. "My apologies for keeping you waiting."
Evelyn recognized the deliberate slight and played along. "We've only just arrived, Mr. Langley."
Juliette's cheeks burned as she retracted her unshaken hand.
"Mr. Langley," she interjected with forced brightness, "Blackwood Designs shares your passion for nanotechnology. Perhaps we could—"
Victor turned his back completely. "Shall we continue our discussion inside, Ms. Carter? The gallery's acoustics are far more...selective."
The unspoken dismissal hung in the air like a guillotine blade.