Chapter 153
Madam Nora had clearly underestimated Evelyn Vanderbilt before. The realization made the older woman flush with embarrassment at her near miscalculation.
Yet pride demanded she maintain her dignity. "Have Gregory come tomorrow to renew the contract," she declared imperiously. "I'll grant you access to my tanzanite supply chain - but don't disappoint me."
Evelyn's lips curved. "Of course, Madam Nora."
Nathan watched Evelyn with quiet admiration.
'She plays her games well,' he thought. 'To earn Madam Nora's approval without anyone's help... Her fierce independence is impossible to dislike.'
Yet beneath his admiration simmered frustration. Why wouldn't this woman let him protect her?
#Zara Outshines New Designer Vivian Vanderbilt#
The Summerton Auction Hall's revelation of identical pieces last night had catapulted both Zara and Vivian to trending status.
The comparison spoke for itself. Social media erupted with accusations of Vivian plagiarizing Zara's designs, the evidence undeniable.
Netizens even dug up Vivian's previous gothic-style collections, pointing out striking similarities to Zara's vintage-inspired works.
@SavannahWood: Did Vivian really think she could plagiarize her way to fame?
@PeterHammer: Zara's designs have always maintained visual comfort through balanced simplicity. Her embellishments serve as perfect accents rather than overwhelming statements.
@SamuelNorton: Every designer has their own style. Just because Zara's more famous doesn't automatically mean plagiarism.
Reporters swarmed Viana Jewelry's entrance, forcing Vivian to barricade herself in her office.
She trembled with rage reading the online accusations.
Laura peered through the blinds at the persistent reporters before rushing to Vivian's side. "Sweetheart, we have Frederick's original sketches. We'll post a statement on all platforms immediately."
'With the sketches and enough money to buy Frederick's silence, we can turn this around,' Laura thought confidently.
Vivian agreed, though with her personal accounts suspended, she had to use Viana's official channels.
The statement denied all plagiarism allegations, presenting the sketches as proof of originality. It subtly implied Zara might be the actual plagiarist.
Meanwhile at ckgold Group's 16th floor...
Evelyn watched Viana's statement unfold across social media with calm certainty.
Timed perfectly with Soul Studio's official launch, she released their entire retro-gothic collection online.
@SoulJewelryStudioOfficial: @VianaJewelryOfficial Upon our studio's launch, we discovered unauthorized use of our original manuscripts to create "new" designs. While we initially chose silence, plagiarism cannot be tolerated. Attached are our registration documents and manuscript creation dates.
The post detonated across social media like a bomb. Debates raged - was this legitimate accusation or clever marketing? Some defended Vivian, others questioned Soul Studio's motives, while conspiracy theorists speculated about coordinated PR stunts.
Vivian stared at her screen in shock.
'Soul Jewelry Studio? What the hell is this?'