Chapter 251

The moment the manager and head designer made their announcement, the grand hall buzzed with renewed energy.

Beatrice Thornton, who had been targeting Evelyn, stood frozen in shock. Across from her, Victoria Lancaster gaped at Evelyn with undisguised disbelief. The entire room seemed to hold its breath.

"What... what did you just say?" Victoria's manicured finger trembled as she pointed at Evelyn. "You're claiming this... this woman is the chief designer of Lady Belle?"

Her voice dripped with reluctant disbelief.

The confirmation came swift and certain.

"Correct. This is Vivian Prescott, founder of Lady Belle and our chief designer."

Silence.

Then stunned gasps.

Victoria's mouth fell open as she stared at Evelyn's composed demeanor. The revelation left her speechless.

Eleanor Kingsley exchanged shocked glances with Margaret Blackwood. Neither could process what they were witnessing.

This woman had been hiding extraordinary talents!

The most coveted jewelry pieces in high society for years - all designed by her?

Impossible.

Unthinkable.

"Madam," the head designer addressed Beatrice pointedly, "why would our chief designer need to steal your bracelet? The evidence suggests you've been duped into purchasing a counterfeit."

"Counterfeit?" Beatrice shrieked, face flushing crimson. "I paid a hundred thousand for this! She's clearly the thief! You're all conspiring together!"

"So you maintain your accusation?" Evelyn arched one perfect eyebrow, voice calm as still water.

"Yes! It was you!" Beatrice jabbed an accusing finger.

"Very well." Evelyn turned to the designer. "Cassandra, contact Gregory Harrison immediately. Have him draft a defamation lawsuit."

"Right away." Cassandra moved with purpose, relief evident in her stance.

Justice would be served.

Beatrice paled. She hadn't anticipated this counterattack. "How dare you sue me? You're the criminal here! You—"

"Darling? Didn't you want to show your bracelet?" A suited man approached, holding an amethyst bracelet identical to Evelyn's.

Except his lacked the luminous quality. The difference between genuine and fake became painfully obvious.

Beatrice's face cycled through shades of red. "Why do you have—"

"You asked me to hold it, remember? I couldn't find you after the restroom." His confused tone sealed her humiliation.

The crowd's murmurs grew louder. Those who had doubted Evelyn now directed scornful looks at Beatrice. Even Victoria's allies shifted uncomfortably.

Evelyn's lips curved slightly. "Professionally speaking? Your imitation isn't worth four figures."

Beatrice's eyes bulged. Her face drained of color. The prized possession she'd flaunted - worthless costume jewelry?

As whispers of ridicule spread, Beatrice turned to flee.

"You'll leave after false accusations? Without apology?"

An icy voice cut through the murmurs like winter wind.

Beatrice froze.

Before her stood a devastatingly handsome man, his presence commanding the room's attention.