Chapter 467

Olivia froze in shock. The young woman before her had a visible disability she hadn't anticipated.

Evelyn Whitmore felt the weight of Olivia's gaze and lifted her chin. Confusion flashed across her face before being replaced by a storm of emotions - anger, fear, and something akin to resignation. With quick movements, she ushered the elderly woman inside and slammed the door shut.

Olivia sprang forward, pressing her palm against the weathered wood. "Please," she called out, her voice laced with urgency. "Are you Evelyn Whitmore? I'm Olivia Sinclair, CEO of Sinclair Enterprises. I need to speak with you."

Only silence answered her.

She knocked again, the sound echoing through the quiet street. "I'm not here to cause problems," Olivia assured the closed door. "Just a few questions, that's all."

Finally, a voice responded - cold as winter and guarded like a fortress.

"What now? Has Margaret caused more trouble? Do you expect me to apologize again?" The bitterness in Evelyn's words cut through the door. "I've told everyone a thousand times - I never stole anyone's designs. Yet I was forced to take the blame, to grovel before Margaret just to appease her wounded pride. I returned every penny they gave me. What more could you possibly want? Just leave me alone!"

Olivia's breath caught. This was news to her. No wonder the director had refused to accompany her. If Evelyn spoke the truth, Sinclair Enterprises had committed a grave injustice.

Before coming, Olivia had researched Evelyn's work thoroughly. The designer's talent shone through every piece she'd created, even her early student works.

Though not a jewelry designer herself, Olivia had restored countless antique pieces. She recognized artistic signatures when she saw them. Evelyn's work carried a distinctive thread, a creative DNA that ran through all her creations.

Olivia's instincts screamed that this wasn't plagiarism. There had to be another explanation - something buried, something unseen.

"Miss Whitmore," Olivia softened her tone, pressing closer to the door. "I'm not here to make your life harder. Let me in, and I'll do everything in my power to uncover the truth about what really happened. Things aren't always what they seem. Let me help you."

Still, the door remained shut.

Olivia exhaled sharply, wracking her brain for another approach when inspiration struck. "Your grandmother," she said, urgency coloring her words. "She didn't look well, Evelyn. I can't imagine how difficult these years have been for you both. Let me in, tell me your side, and I'll ensure she gets proper medical care. I'll even draft a contract - no strings attached. Money won't be an issue."

The silence stretched unbearably long. Then, with a reluctant creak, the door inched open.

Tear tracks glistened on Evelyn's cheeks as she glared at Olivia, her voice trembling with barely contained emotion. "If this is some cruel joke, I swear you'll regret it!" The threat sounded hollow even to her own ears. Evelyn had never been one for empty words, but desperation had forced her hand. Her grandmother's declining health and their financial ruin left no other options.

The plagiarism scandal had severed all family ties, turning Evelyn into an outcast among her own relatives. Only her grandmother's unwavering love kept her from complete isolation. The elderly woman had insisted they retreat to this village, promising time would heal all wounds. But years had only deepened the scars.