251 An Apology Isn't Enough

"Is that so?" Alexander Blackwood's voice was sharp, cutting through the tense silence. "And how exactly do you intend to restore Evelyn's reputation?"

Julian Thorne spoke rapidly, his words laced with palpable fear. "This was all Cassandra Sterling and Genevieve Prescott! They forced me into it!"

Alexander's expression turned to ice. His brows furrowed deeply, and the atmosphere grew frigid. "Cassandra Sterling? What is her connection to this?"

The memory of the aggressive crowd flashed in his mind—their wild accusations, their relentless pursuit. It had all been a calculated plan.

Cassandra. The one person he had never doubted. Yet, she had been plotting against him all along.

Julian swallowed hard, pressing on. "Cassandra despises Evelyn. Genevieve told me herself—this entire scheme was Cassandra's idea. She wanted to utterly destroy Evelyn!"

Alexander remained skeptical, his tone detached and steady. "I heard Cassandra herself became entangled in the plagiarism scandal."

Julian shook his head, desperation seeping into his voice. "That was merely part of her act! She needed to make it appear authentic, so no one would suspect her! I swear, I had no choice. I'm just a designer. I lack fame and influence. But Cassandra—she's a celebrity, she has powerful connections. I couldn't risk opposing her. If I refused, my career would have been over."

Alexander studied him for a long moment before asking, "Do you possess any evidence?"

Julian's face fell. His hands clenched into fists at his sides. "Genevieve handled everything," he admitted. "She was the one who gave me the instructions."

Alexander let out a short, humorless laugh. "So, this is all based on Genevieve's word? No concrete proof. Just a series of unsubstantiated allegations?"

Julian's panic escalated. "No! I swear, I'm telling the truth!" His hands trembled as he pleaded, his voice rising in pitch. "Please, you must believe me! What do you want me to do? I acknowledge my mistake. I will never harm Evelyn again. Can't I simply apologize? She never plagiarized my work."

Alexander was silent for a moment.

His primary focus had already shifted. Clearing Evelyn's name and ending this vicious slander were paramount.

As for the mastermind? He would deal with them in due time.

"An apology is insufficient," he stated finally.

Julian looked at him anxiously. "Then what must I do? Just tell me, and I will comply."

Alexander's gaze was inscrutable. "Do not ask questions," he said coolly. "Simply follow my instructions."

After parting ways with Julian, Genevieve did not delay. She arrived at an exclusive, high-end spa, accessible only to the ultra-wealthy.

Inside, Cassandra Sterling lounged on a luxurious massage table, eyes closed as a professional masseuse worked on her shoulders. She appeared completely relaxed, utterly unconcerned with the outside world.

Genevieve entered quietly, adopting a deliberately sweet tone. "Cassandra."

Without opening her eyes, Cassandra spoke in a lazy, drowsy voice. "How are things progressing? Is the situation contained?"

Genevieve smirked. "It's proceeding flawlessly. Evelyn is being ripped apart online. Even some of your fans are declaring they want to confront her physically. I would be astonished if she dares to step outside her home."

She let the statement hang in the air before adding, "Oh, and I ensured one of your most devoted fans, Annabelle Sinclair, is spearheading the charge. She and her group are already causing significant trouble. From what I've heard, Evelyn was so terrified she was frantically trying to find a place to hide."