Chapter 374

Juliette finished speaking with a slow turn of her head. That practiced smile still lingered on her lips, radiating warmth and approachability.

But Evelyn wasn’t fooled this time. She cut straight to the chase. "Ms. Blackwood, don’t you think you owe me an explanation?"

Juliette laughed, the sound light and airy.

She spread her hands in mock innocence. "Explanation? For what? Aren’t we here to discuss compensation?"

"You’ve stolen years of my work. You must have made a fortune by now. I hear your boutique is thriving, so paying me back shouldn’t be an issue, right?"

"Unless… you’d rather settle this in court? I’d be happy to oblige."

Evelyn’s gaze turned icy. She didn’t understand where Juliette’s confidence came from. "I didn’t plagiarize."

A simple statement, firm and unyielding.

Juliette’s smile widened. "Who would believe that? The evidence speaks for itself. Why keep denying it, Ms. Carter?"

Evelyn remained composed. "We both know the truth. I’m just curious—where did you get those drafts?"

Juliette exhaled dramatically. "Ms. Carter, the plagiarism is undeniable. Why waste time questioning it?"

"As for the drafts, I drew them myself, of course. And I did it years before you."

"That’s impossible."

Evelyn pressed her lips together, fighting to keep her composure.

Juliette shrugged. "Still refusing to admit it? Fine. I’ll show you proof."

With a snap of her fingers, an assistant approached, carrying a stack of aged design drafts. The sketches were nearly identical to Evelyn’s—except the dates on them were seven years old, the paper yellowed with time.

"See for yourself, Ms. Carter."

Evelyn’s breath caught. Disbelief flashed in her eyes as she stared at the impossible evidence.

How?

Juliette continued smoothly, "Let’s not waste time. Name your price, and maybe we can still negotiate."

"Or skip the pleasantries. But be prepared for the entire design community to turn against you."

Evelyn scoffed. "You think twisting the truth will work? You’re that confident I won’t expose you?"

Juliette met her gaze, unshaken. "Who would believe you? With my reputation, crushing you would be effortless. What do you have to challenge me?"

Before Evelyn could respond, Harrison stepped forward.

His voice was cold, detached. "State your terms. Or should I ask—how much do you want?"

Juliette’s eyes flickered with interest as she took in Harrison’s commanding presence. He was every inch the elite, and for a moment, her attention wavered.

But business came first.

"One billion dollars. Cash." She smiled sweetly. "Surely that’s manageable for you, Ms. Carter. Pay up, and I’ll consider dropping the matter."