Chapter 381

The next moment, Juliette Blackwood's profile materialized on the computer display.

Evelyn Carter's gaze immediately locked onto Juliette's youthful enrollment photo. The differences from her current appearance were subtle yet noticeable - the softness of youth had given way to more defined, mature features.

According to the records, Juliette was actually a year older than Evelyn.

"So it's true," Evelyn whispered under her breath.

Harrison Whitmore leaned closer, his intense stare fixed on the screen, but Evelyn continued scrolling without hesitation.

Her fingers moved swiftly until she reached Juliette's student design portfolio. Evelyn's breath caught in her throat.

"How... how can this be?"

The first image displayed was clearly an early version of the boutique's flagship design, though less polished. The similarities were undeniable - it looked like someone had taken this original concept and refined it.

This couldn't possibly be the authentic design!

"There must be some mistake here."

Evelyn's voice held firm conviction as she clicked through several more designs in the same distinctive style. The technical skill evident in these works showed a designer coming into their own.

"Did you create these designs?" Harrison asked.

Evelyn shook her head vehemently. "My initial concepts were completely different. These aren't mine. But the resemblance to my work is uncanny. What's happening here?"

Confusion clouded her features as she spoke.

Just then, Katherine Whitaker returned and immediately noticed Evelyn's distressed expression.

Her eyes flicked to the screen. "Juliette? Evelyn, do you know her?"

Evelyn's eyes narrowed as she pulled Katherine closer. "Professor, are you familiar with her?"

Katherine nodded. "Yes, she graduated a year before you, but wasn't my student. Professor Edmund Whitaker mentored her. Why do you ask? Is there an issue?"

With trembling fingers, Evelyn pointed to the designs on display. "Professor, are these truly her work?"

Katherine looked puzzled but explained, "If they're in her academic file, they should be authentic. Though I'm not particularly familiar with her design aesthetic. You might want to consult Professor Whitaker for more details."

Even Katherine found the situation perplexing.

The archive administrators had assured her that student records were meticulously maintained with minimal room for error.

Yet now, she couldn't explain why Evelyn's file contained designs that clearly weren't hers.

"Is Professor Whitaker available today?"

Katherine considered for a moment. "He should be in his office."

"Could you take us to see him?"

Katherine agreed without hesitation. "Of course, follow me."

Evelyn took a steadying breath, nodded, and closed the file on the computer.

As they prepared to leave, Harrison lingered behind, his gaze lingering on the now-darkened screen, his expression unreadable.

"Evelyn, go ahead. I'll catch up shortly."

Too preoccupied to question his delay, Evelyn followed Katherine out the door.

"Professor Whitaker is nearing retirement. These days he's more passionate about his experimental research than teaching design. He spends most of his time in the lab working on his various projects."

As they walked, Katherine provided detailed insights about Edmund Whitaker - his daily routines, personality quirks, and professional habits.