Chapter 65

Evelyn Roland advanced with an aura so sharp it stole the breath from everyone's lungs.

Edmund Grandelle's temples gleamed with sweat, his Adam's apple bobbing in a silent struggle.

"Guilty conscience?" Her laugh was ice.

The room held its breath.

"Such concern for fellow designers." Her fingertip tapped the table. "Yet when a newcomer like me was accused of plagiarism, who stepped forward to clear my name?"

Her gaze cut through each person present.

"Does seniority grant license to rewrite the truth?"

Edmund's grip whitened on his cane. "Why would I frame you?"

"Eloquent." His face darkened. "Perhaps you've memorized one too many designs."

Jessica Rubinstein jumped in. "Exactly! No one drafts that fast without prior preparation!"

Isabella Langley's eyes welled up. "Evelyn would never—she's brilliant! You're just jealous!"

The words ignited the room.

"Jealous? Of some greenhorn?"

"Plagiarism is plagiarism! Design requires years of refinement!"

Whispers erupted like wildfire.

Isabella turned tearful eyes to Alexander Roland. "Brother, I didn't mean to—"

"Enough." Alexander yanked her behind him, his glare lethal.

Isabella shrank back, retreating to the crowd's fringe.

Evelyn dismissed the theatrics.

"Mr. Grandelle." She met his stare. "Since we disagree, why not settle this here?"

The cane struck the floor with a crack.

Veins bulged on Edmund's aged hands.

He knew—the Shattered Stars Collection was beyond his capabilities.

"Young lady..." His voice trembled. "Talent is commendable, but arrogance isn't."

Evelyn smiled. "You forced my hand."

She picked up her stylus.

"Now, let's end this."