Chapter 426

Camille Kingsley's birthday was approaching.

Evelyn Carter threw herself into her demanding work at the jewelry studio during the day.

At night, she locked herself in her private workshop, meticulously crafting a gift for Camille.

She designed a stunning ring—18K gold, adorned with a flawless aquamarine and dazzling diamonds.

For a master jeweler like Evelyn, the craftsmanship was effortless.

But the aquamarine was extraordinary—massive, with unparalleled clarity, rivaling the rarest gemstones in the world.

Evelyn never cut corners when it came to gifts for family. She poured her heart into every detail.

Nathan Blackwood had once been the recipient of her thoughtful presents.

Yet, the man had never appreciated her gestures.

Her phone buzzed on the workbench. A video call from Giselle Dubois, her studio’s chief assistant.

"You only call this late if it’s urgent," Evelyn remarked, not pausing as she polished the gemstone.

"Do you remember Tristan Moreau?" Giselle asked.

"Of course. He trained under me for three years before branching out on his own. Talented, with an impeccable eye for detail. What about him?"

"Two days ago, someone approached him with a request—to replicate one of your signature pieces. Can you believe the audacity? The market is already flooded with knockoffs of your designs."

Evelyn merely chuckled, her fingers still working deftly. "No need to be angry. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. If people can’t afford the real thing, they settle for fakes to feed their vanity."

"Tristan couldn’t reach you, so he came to me. He refused the job—obviously. He wouldn’t dare insult you by counterfeiting your work."

Giselle sounded furious on Evelyn’s behalf.

Evelyn’s curiosity piqued. "Who commissioned the forgery? It takes serious connections to track down my former apprentice."

"Tristan didn’t say how they met. But the client is an heiress from Crestview—a Montgomery, I believe."

Evelyn’s hands stilled for a brief second.

"Interesting. She’s also a student of Sebastian Laurent, the renowned pianist."

A slow, knowing smile curved Evelyn’s lips.

Ah. So that’s how it was.

If Cassandra Blackwood and Isabelle Montgomery were asking for trouble, Evelyn wouldn’t deny them.

"Giselle, tell Tristan to take the job." Evelyn’s eyes gleamed with mischief.

"What? Why?"

"He’d better make it convincing. I won’t tolerate shoddy imitations."

Five days later, Nathan Blackwood received unexpected news the moment he stepped out of a board meeting.

Isabella Laurent, who had been unresponsive for weeks, had suddenly agreed to the deal.

Nathan’s expression darkened as he stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows, his presence icy.

"What’s the catch?"

His assistant hesitated. "I’m not sure, sir. But Isabella is a discerning collector. She wouldn’t accept a counterfeit."

"Evelyn must know by now," Nathan murmured, his gaze distant.

With Cassandra securing the deal, Nathan knew he’d be dragged into a storm of corporate warfare—far worse than anything Evelyn faced.

Yet, his thoughts remained consumed by Evelyn. His own troubles barely registered.

Giving up? Impossible.

Nathan exhaled sharply, tension coiling in his shoulders.

Others might surrender, but Evelyn wasn’t one to back down. She was biding her time. He knew she had a plan.

Cassandra was no match for his brilliant ex-wife.

Ex-wife.

The word sent an unexpected pang through his chest.