Chapter 63
Isabella Langley stood beside Evelyn Roland, her face etched with concern as she affectionately looped an arm through hers.
"Evelyn, you're still young. Mistakes happen. Just apologize to Mr. Grandelle, step away from the design world, and everyone will forgive you."
Her tone was gentle, but a calculating glint flickered in her eyes.
Evelyn coldly withdrew her arm, a mocking smile curling her lips.
"Miss Langley, my affairs are none of your concern."
Alexander Roland stepped forward, placing a firm hand on Isabella's shoulder. His voice was uncharacteristically stern.
"That's enough."
Isabella's eyes immediately welled with tears, her lips trembling as she bit down on them.
"Brother, I was only trying to help Evelyn..."
"Let's assess the situation first." He gave her a reassuring pat, though his gaze remained locked on Evelyn.
If things escalated, he wouldn’t stand by idly.
Across the venue, Theodore Ashcroft approached Sebastian Valdemar with urgency.
"Mr. Valdemar, public opinion is spiraling out of control. Forcing suppression will only damage Valdemar Group's reputation."
Sebastian's expression remained unreadable, his long fingers tapping lightly against the table.
"Clear the room."
He could have walked away, yet something inexplicable compelled him not to leave Evelyn to face this storm alone.
Theodore moved to act, but Evelyn raised a hand to stop him.
"Don’t."
Her voice was quiet but carried undeniable authority.
"I need these cameras."
Her composed demeanor made Theodore instinctively obey before he caught himself and glanced at Sebastian for confirmation.
Sebastian gave a slight nod.
Evelyn strode toward Edmund Grandelle, the sharp click of her heels echoing across the marble floor.
"Mr. Grandelle, you accused me of plagiarism. May I ask when your original draft was completed?"
She met the old man’s cloudy gaze, her tone steady.
Edmund hesitated, his eyes darting nervously.
"I—I have too many works to recall the exact date..."
A figure suddenly burst from the crowd.
"Evelyn Roland! How dare you question a senior after stealing his work?" Jessica Rubinstein sneered triumphantly.
She had waited for this moment—to see Evelyn utterly disgraced.
The room erupted in murmurs.
Evelyn let out a soft laugh, her gaze sharp as a blade.
"Miss Rubinstein, you seem awfully invested. Do you have insider knowledge?"
She swept her eyes across the crowd, her voice clear and unwavering.
"If I’m accused of plagiarism, shouldn’t there be proof?"