Chapter 168

Evelyn Carter gave a firm shake of her head, her voice steel-edged. "What belongs to me will be reclaimed by my own hands."

Her gaze locked onto Vanessa Sterling across the crowded gallery.

Vanessa stood bathed in attention, holding court with fashion's elite. Each time their eyes met, Vanessa's lips curled in that infuriating smirk - a silent taunt that screamed 'Try me.'

A server materialized at Vanessa's elbow. "Professor Whitaker requests your presence, Ms. Sterling."

Vanessa inclined her head. "Of course." She excused herself with practiced grace.

Nathan Sterling stood nearby, discussing Vanessa's controversial design with Lawrence Pembroke. "My associate here finds your sister's concept fascinating," Nathan said, gesturing to the industry titan. "He'd appreciate hearing about her creative process."

Vanessa turned her megawatt smile on Pembroke. "The collection explores modern femininity through structural silhouettes," she began smoothly. "Each piece represents the unbreakable spirit of contemporary women."

Pembroke nodded along, but his brow furrowed. "Your vision is undoubtedly compelling, Ms. Sterling. Yet..." He hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "There appears to be a dissonance between your narrative and the actual craftsmanship."

Vanessa's smile faltered. "Are you suggesting my work isn't authentic?" Her voice carried across the suddenly quiet room.

Pembroke raised a conciliatory hand. "Not at all. Only that the execution seems... incongruent with the stated inspiration."

Vanessa's gaze darted to Evelyn, then back to the gathering crowd. "This isn't the first challenge to my integrity tonight." Her voice turned theatrical. "Someone already accused me of theft earlier."

A shocked murmur rippled through the gallery. Nathan's expression darkened.

But Vanessa pressed on, emboldened by the attention. "Ms. Carter? Care to repeat your allegations for everyone?"

All eyes turned to Evelyn, who regarded Vanessa like a scientist observing a particularly fascinating specimen. When she spoke, her voice cut through the tension like a scalpel. "Since you insist - yes, that design isn't yours. Every stitch, every seam belongs to someone else."

The gallery erupted.

"Is she serious?"

"Vanessa Sterling plagiarizing? Impossible!"

"Wait, look at Vanessa's face - she's not even denying it!"

Vanessa stood her ground, chin lifted defiantly as the crowd surged closer, hungry for scandal. The mask of composure never slipped - not even when facing certain ruin.

Evelyn watched, arms crossed, as Vanessa launched into her rehearsed defense. The game had changed, but only one of them had brought the receipts. And Evelyn intended to make this humiliation unforgettable.