Chapter 154

"How could these designs be identical to Frederick's?" Evelyn's fingers trembled as she examined the dated manuscripts. "These were created before the ones Frederick gave us!"

"Vivian, explain this mess!" Laura grabbed her daughter's arm, her manicured nails digging into flesh.

Vivian fumbled for her phone, dialing Frederick's number repeatedly. Each attempt met with the same automated voicemail. The line was dead.

Her stomach dropped like a stone.

'That bastard set me up!'

Within minutes, Vivian issued a desperate statement blaming Frederick Fuller, claiming he was a rogue designer from Hailey & Co. Jewelry.

But Hailey & Co. struck back faster than a viper.

#HaileyOfficial: We have no designer named Frederick Fuller and never collaborated with @VianaJewelry. Pro tip: verify your partners before signing contracts. #DueDiligence

The tweet exploded across social media like wildfire. Viana Jewelry became the laughingstock of the industry overnight.

Netizens roasted Vivian mercilessly. Memes of her selfies flooded timelines with captions like "Talent Thief" and "Fake It Till You Make It Fail." By noon, #ViviansStolenTalent trended globally.

Vivian hurled a paperweight at her office window, shattering glass across her designer heels. "Those idiots don't understand anything!"

Richard Vanderbilt stormed into the chaos, his tailored suit straining over clenched muscles. Laura rushed to intercept him. "Darling, don't believe those internet trolls—"

The slap echoed through the office. Laura stumbled sideways, clutching her cheek in shock.

"Look what you've raised." Richard's voice dripped with disgust. "You've both become an embarrassment."

Seeing her mother struck, Vivian fell to her knees with practiced dramatics. "Punish me, Father! I was blinded by ambition. That conman manipulated me!" Tears streaked her contoured cheeks. "But please, don't take it out on Mother."

Richard's jaw twitched. Despite his fury, the sight of his weeping daughter stirred old instincts. 'I spoiled her too much. This is my fault too.'

"Effective immediately," he said coldly, "you're barred from Viana operations. Clearly, leadership isn't your forte."

Vivian's nails bit into her palms. 'Who needs Viana? I'm still a de Armas heiress.'

Later, watching her father's televised apology on behalf of Viana Jewelry, Evelyn's chest constricted. Though she now understood her parents' fractured history, the public dismissal still stung.

'At least Father won't trust Vivian with the company again.' Her fingers tightened around her coffee mug. 'But Laura and Grandmother won't surrender control so easily.'

"Brooding again?" A familiar baritone whispered against her ear.

Evelyn startled, turning abruptly—only for her lips to brush against Nathan's. He'd leaned over her desk, close enough to steal the oxygen from her lungs. The smirk playing on his mouth confirmed this was exactly the outcome he'd engineered.

"Taking liberties, Mr. Goldmann?"

Her eyelashes fluttered as she put space between them. Nathan merely arched a brow. "Says the woman who just kissed me."