Chapter 447

The moment those words were spoken, the crowd burst into shocked whispers, their suspicious gazes burning into Cassandra Blackwood.

Nathan Blackwood's eyes darkened imperceptibly. His expression remained composed, as if he'd anticipated this outcome all along. After all, even he knew securing an audience with the elusive Alexa was like trying to catch moonlight in your hands. He never believed his half-sister possessed the connections to obtain genuine Alexa jewelry. Something about this situation reeked of deception.

A wave of bitter resentment washed over Nathan as realization dawned. He turned sharply to pin Evelyn Carter with a glare that could freeze fire.

Evelyn merely arched one delicate eyebrow in response, studying Nathan as if he'd lost his mind. "What's with that look? Like you want to skin someone alive," she muttered under her breath.

The weight of the crowd's accusatory stares made Cassandra shrink behind Penelope Whitmore, her face turning ashen.

"Ms. Blackwood," Isabella Wang's voice cut through the murmurs like a blade, her eyes blazing with fury. "Have you been deceiving me from the very beginning?" The international superstar trembled with barely contained rage. "Was this your pathetic attempt to manipulate me? To trick me into collaborating with your Blackwood Hotel?"

Cassandra opened and closed her mouth like a fish out of water, sweat beading on her forehead.

"I trusted you implicitly because of the Blackwood name," Isabella continued, her voice rising. "I believed you to be a woman of integrity! Now I question everything about your family's so-called century-old reputation in Crestview!"

The spectators exchanged scandalized looks. "Unbelievable!" someone muttered. "A billionaire heiress caught passing off fakes to a celebrity - right in front of Alexa herself! This will stain the Blackwoods' legacy forever."

"As President of Blackwood Industries," Nathan's icy voice sliced through the tension, "I had no knowledge of Ms. Blackwood's private dealings with you, Ms. Wang. Her actions were personal and do not reflect our corporation's values." His tone suggested he couldn't care less about the unfolding scandal.

Penelope's jaw clenched so tightly her molars threatened to crack.

Evelyn, standing slightly behind Nathan's imposing frame, blinked in surprise at his words.

Nathan's gaze deepened as it settled on Evelyn. "However," he continued smoothly, "regarding the counterfeit jewelry and damages suffered by Ms. Kingsley - also known as Alexa - Blackwood Industries will assume full responsibility."

A ripple of confusion passed through the crowd. The statement seemed straightforward, yet carried an odd undercurrent.

Evelyn's eyes clouded with disappointment as she turned away from Nathan. She'd thought he'd changed. That he might finally stop cleaning up after Penelope and Cassandra. But clearly, he still prioritized damage control over principles. His earlier words about wanting her to win had been empty after all.

"Wait just one moment!" Penelope pushed forward, her face flushed with indignation. "Why are we being treated like criminals? We're victims too!"

She gestured dramatically. "My daughter acted with the purest intentions! Knowing Ms. Wang's admiration for Alexa's work, she went to great lengths to acquire a special piece to facilitate our collaboration! The Blackwoods could purchase ten Alexa originals without blinking - why would we risk our reputation with counterfeits? We were deceived by the seller!"

Snickers erupted through the gathering.

"Listen to her," someone scoffed. "Claims she could buy ten Alexa pieces while holding a fake. The audacity!"

"That's Mrs. Blackwood for you," another muttered.

Finally, Giselle Dubois stepped forward, her voice dripping with disdain. "Everyone knows each Alexa creation is a unique masterpiece rarely available for purchase." The chief assistant crossed her arms. "The idea that someone could casually acquire multiple pieces is laughable."