Chapter 469

Evelyn Whitmore's shoulders slumped in defeat, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. She muttered curses under her breath, her trembling fists pounding against her thighs in helpless frustration.

Olivia Sinclair didn't press for answers immediately. She allowed the tense silence to settle between them, giving the distraught woman space to collect herself before addressing the delicate matter.

When Evelyn finally composed herself, they retreated to a quiet alcove. The designer clutched her glass of water with shaking hands, the ice cubes clinking as she began her halting confession.

"I didn't steal anyone's work," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "But somehow Margaret Sinclair produced identical designs right after my manuscript vanished. I have no idea who took it."

Evelyn's breath hitched as she struggled to contain her rising anger. "I've searched everywhere, but no one believes me. Maybe it's some cosmic joke, or perhaps - as Margaret claims - I subconsciously copied her work after seeing it somewhere. Our collections are similar, yes, but I didn't plagiarize. I won't confess to something I didn't do."

Olivia exhaled slowly, recognizing the impossible position Evelyn found herself in. "So your refusal to admit plagiarism is why they're determined to ruin you."

The story was full of holes, making Evelyn an easy target. Without concrete evidence to prove her innocence, yet unwilling to falsely confess, she remained trapped.

Olivia's instincts prickled with the certainty that deeper truths lay hidden. She leaned forward, piercing gaze locked onto Evelyn. "I can't help you if you're keeping secrets. Are you absolutely certain you're telling me everything?"

Her tone carried quiet intensity, eyes searching Evelyn's face for any flicker of deception.

Evelyn averted her gaze, her whisper barely audible. "I've told you the truth."

Olivia sighed, the weight of their conversation pressing down. She stood, her voice measured yet distant. "If that's your final answer, I'll cover your grandmother's medical bills for now. After that, the choice is yours. You've decided silence is worth the consequences. That's your prerogative."

Evelyn shot to her feet, cheeks flushed with indignation. "What would you know?" she snapped. "You've no idea what my family's endured. How dare you judge me?"

Olivia remained unshaken, her calm voice cutting through the outburst. "I don't know your family's struggles, but I offered you my help - a chance to trust me. If you can't take that leap, I understand. But without trust, there's nothing more I can do. Do you see that?"

Panic flashed across Evelyn's face as she rushed after the retreating figure. "That's it? You're just walking away?"

Olivia paused, turning with razor-sharp focus. "What would be the point? You're determined to keep your secrets. I can't force the truth from you, no matter what I offer or threaten. Money alone won't make you talk."

Her tone softened slightly. "I know this isn't what you want to hear, but understand - I didn't come here to mock you. I came because I remembered the brilliant designer you once were. Seeing you now, with all that fire and creativity gone... the Evelyn I admired seems lost."

Evelyn stood frozen, Olivia's words striking deeper than any accusation. Unexpected tears blurred her vision as she watched Olivia's retreating back, the truth of those words cutting through her defenses.