Chapter 165

"Ms. Sterling, this extraordinary design must have an incredible backstory. Would you share it with us?" A fashion journalist leaned forward eagerly.

Vanessa's lips curved into a practiced smile as she adjusted her designer dress. "This collection was born from an avant-garde exhibition I attended in Milan last summer."

She gestured dramatically toward the mannequin. "The bold geometric patterns represent the breaking of traditional gender roles. Notice how the asymmetric hemline challenges conventional beauty standards."

"The hand-stitched embroidery took three artisans over two hundred hours to complete. Every thread tells a story of feminine resilience." Vanessa's voice dripped with false modesty.

The crowd murmured appreciatively. A silver-haired woman in Chanel reached for Vanessa's hand. "Darling, your vision is revolutionary! We must feature you in next month's Couture Quarterly."

A man in a tailored Armani suit pressed his card into her palm. "Vanessa, my design house would kill to have talent like yours. Name your price when you graduate."

Vanessa preened under the attention, her manicured fingers fluttering to her collarbone. Then her gaze collided with Evelyn's across the room.

Those piercing emerald eyes held something dangerous - not admiration, but knowing amusement. Vanessa's champagne flute trembled slightly.

"Everything alright?" Harrison's brow furrowed as he followed Evelyn's gaze.

"Just marveling at the audacity of thieves in broad daylight," Evelyn murmured, swirling her drink.

Harrison opened his mouth to question her when a hush fell over the crowd. Professor Whitaker had arrived with Gregory Hammond in tow.

The renowned design critic looked uncharacteristically polished in his Tom Ford tuxedo, drawing every eye in the gallery.

"Professor Whitaker! Your students have outdone themselves this year!"

"That piece by the window - absolute genius! Your mentorship shines through."

The professor made his way directly to Vanessa's display. Her pulse jumped when he stopped before her work.

"Is this yours?" His voice held quiet intensity.

Vanessa's throat went dry. "Yes, Professor. My senior thesis collection."

Edmund Whitaker studied the garment with clinical precision. "Remarkable craftsmanship for someone your age. The structural integrity of these seams..." He trailed off, fingers hovering over a seam.

Vanessa's mother materialized at her elbow. "Professor, we'd be honored if you'd consider mentoring Vanessa next semester. Your guidance would be priceless."

Gregory cleared his throat. "This is Vanessa Sterling - Nathan Sterling's sister."

A flicker of recognition passed through Edmund's eyes. He nodded approvingly. "You show exceptional promise, Ms. Sterling. With proper training, you could-"

"Except she didn't design this." Evelyn's voice cut through the murmurs like shattered glass.

Every head turned as she stepped forward, the crowd parting instinctively. The temperature in the room seemed to drop ten degrees.

Vanessa's smile froze. Her manicured nails dug into her palms as she watched Evelyn approach the display with the predatory grace of a panther stalking its prey.