Chapter 448

Owning a piece from Alexa's collection was like possessing a rare gem - priceless and irreplaceable. No collector in their right mind would part with such a treasure unless facing absolute financial ruin.

Theodore's lips curled in amusement as he studied Cassandra's furious expression. "You should know better than to trust shady dealers, Ms. Blackwood. Even if you could afford it, Alexa would never sell to someone like you." His gaze swept over her dismissively. "You're hardly what we'd consider... suitable clientele."

"You—how dare you!" Penelope sputtered, her face flushing crimson with rage.

Whispers rippled through the crowd like wildfire. Cassandra's numerous scandals in Crestview society had been the talk of the town for months. Without the Blackwood name shielding her, she would have been ostracized long ago.

Someone needed to put this arrogant socialite in her place!

"Ms. Blackwood," Theodore continued smoothly, shifting his attention to Cassandra, "are you truly claiming ignorance about purchasing counterfeit goods? Or is this another carefully constructed lie?"

Cassandra's hands trembled visibly. She lifted her chin defiantly. "Of course I wouldn't buy fakes! The Blackwoods can afford anything we desire!"

"Hmm... I wouldn't be so certain about that."

Murmurs of speculation spread through the gathering. What hidden meaning lay beneath Theodore's words?

Nathan's brow furrowed as he turned to Evelyn, who had remained silent beside him throughout the confrontation. When their eyes met, her lips curved into a knowing smile that sent shivers down his spine.

She had orchestrated everything.

The puppet master pulling the strings was none other than Evelyn, who had watched the drama unfold with calculated detachment.

"What are you implying?" Penelope clutched Cassandra protectively, adopting the posture of a wronged mother. "Are you accusing my daughter now?"

Theodore ignored Penelope's theatrics, keeping his focus locked on Cassandra. "Ms. Blackwood, surely you remember the artisan you commissioned to create this replica? The details must be fresh in your mind."

Cassandra's mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water. Every possible response would only incriminate her further.

"Memory failing you? Allow me to refresh it." With a dramatic flourish, Theodore gestured to the massive screen behind him, where a man's face suddenly appeared.

"Bonjour, Tristan." Theodore greeted the man in flawless French.

"Bonjour, Theodore. Bonjour, Maître." Tristan's gaze shifted to Evelyn, his expression sheepish.

"Your craftsmanship remains impeccable," Evelyn remarked without malice. "I recognized your handiwork the moment I saw that necklace." Her smile held secrets within secrets.

Cassandra swayed on her feet, her vision blurring. Only Penelope's supporting arm kept her from collapsing.

With a remorseful sigh, Tristan held up a document for the cameras. "I was paid to forge a piece from my mentor Alexa's collection. Look closely—the client's signature appears right here."

Reporters jostled for position as cameras zoomed in on the damning evidence. The crowd pressed forward, eager to witness Cassandra's downfall.

After several adjustments, the screen clearly displayed an elegant signature at the bottom of the receipt: Cassandra Blackwood!

"What is this?" Penelope hissed through clenched teeth. "You told me Isabelle arranged this! Why does it bear your signature?"

"Mother, that scheming Isabelle tricked me!" Cassandra wailed, crocodile tears streaming down her cheeks.