Chapter 428

"Madam Blackwell, how lovely to see you again. You're positively glowing these days."

"Whatever have you been occupied with lately? We've missed your company at our weekly bridge games."

"We simply must arrange a luncheon soon."

Eleanor Blackwell basked in the attention, her chest swelling with pride. This was the familiar adoration she'd been missing since her social standing had declined.

Beside her, Juliette Blackwood smiled demurely as the society ladies turned their gazes toward her. "Madam Blackwell, who is this—"

Before Eleanor could respond, Juliette extended her hand. "Juliette Blackwood, pleased to meet you all."

The women exchanged subtle glances as they assessed the unfamiliar face. When none recognized her from their elite circles, their polite smiles cooled noticeably.

Eleanor quickly drew Juliette closer. "Juliette is an internationally acclaimed fashion designer, quite renowned in her field."

She patted Juliette's arm. "Should any of you require couture designs, she'd be delighted to offer her services at a generous discount."

A few women nodded politely, but their disinterest remained palpable.

Then Arabella Whitmore's eyes narrowed in recognition. "Now that you mention fashion design, I believe I've heard your name before."

Juliette's face lit up with hope. Perhaps her hard work was finally being acknowledged in these circles.

But Arabella's next words turned her blood to ice. "I knew you looked familiar. You're that designer who made headlines recently—the one accused of rampant plagiarism across multiple collections."

She tilted her head mockingly. "Aren't you just a common thief in designer clothing?"

Juliette's face drained of color under the sudden barrage of disdainful stares. Her nails dug into her palms as she stammered, "That's not—"

The women turned away in unison, their retreating figures speaking volumes. Eleanor stood frozen, her expression shifting from confusion to dawning horror.

"Juliette," she demanded, "what is the meaning of this?" The pieces clicked together—Nathan's warning before he left, these women's reactions. "Tell me you didn't actually steal others' work!"

Juliette seized Eleanor's arm desperately. "Madam Blackwell, you must believe me—I was framed! This is all Evelyn Carter's doing!"

At the mention of Evelyn, Eleanor's eyes darkened with familiar hatred. The girl who had caused her so much humiliation.

"How is that wretched girl involved?" Eleanor hissed.

Juliette saw her opening and struck with precision. "Evelyn orchestrated this entire scandal to destroy my reputation. She's jealous of my talent and connections to your family."

She leaned closer, her voice dripping with venom. "This is just another one of her schemes to hurt the Blackwell name through me. She's punishing you by association, Madam Blackwell."