Imprisoned While Pregnant, She's Back for Payback novel Chapter 213

Chapter 213 The Accusation

Chapter 213 The Accusation

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Among the guests were leaders in the fashion and design world. They studied Tess with critical eyes, searching for any trace of familiarity in the gown’s style. When they found none, the bold, avant–garde fusion could point to only one signature–Selina’s.

A quiet awe crept into their expressions.

“She’s an ex–con! Why should we take her word for anything? Maybe Selina sent her the dress herself!”

From somewhere in the crowd, an indignant voice rang out. The accusation hit the room like a stone striking still water.

Tess’s fingers curled into her palms, the edges of her manicured nails biting into soft skin until it stung.

The ugly label–ex–con–made Finn’s brow twitch from across the hall. His sharp gaze locked onto the speaker, a small, inconspicuous figure in the crowd.

Under that glare, the person swallowed hard, their rehearsed words dying on their tongue.

“I’ve seen the sketch for that gown before!” The voice came from Nadine, who shot to her feet, eyes fixed on Tess, her tone dripping with disappointment. “Tess, how could you lie to everyone and claim you designed it yourself?”

The sudden accusation caught everyone off guard.

All at once, the crowd’s attention bounced between the two women.

But Nadine’s reputation was far cleaner than Tess’s–plus, she was her sister. Who would believe she’d lie?

The admiration in the designers‘ eyes quickly turned to outrage.

One elderly man—revered as a “master of design” in China–slammed his palm on the nearest table so hard the cups rattled. “Tess, to claim someone else’s work as your own is a grave offense in our field! You owe Selina an immediate apology!”

Beneath the wide brim of her hat, Tess’s face was shadowed. Only her smooth jawline and red lips caught the light beneath the beaded fringe.

Finn’s expression shifted–first a cold glance toward Nadine, then a frown at Tess.

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9:46 Wed, Oct 8

Chapter 213 The Accusation

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He had never seen her design anything before, let alone a piece like the one she wore tonight,

His hand clenched into a fist.

Compared to the angry guests, Tess appeared calm.

Her cool gaze swept over the furious old man, then locked on Nadine. “You’ve seen this gown’s sketch?

“Where? Do you have proof? If you’re making such a claim without evidence, I won’t hesitate to take this to court. The law doesn’t play favorites–not even for family.”

Her voice was sharp, her presence commanding.

Nadine faltered, her face tightening. “I …

“You claim sisterly affection, yet you openly try to ruin me without cause. Nadine, what is it you really want?”

Her eyes were cold, like a blade honed to perfection.

Nadine bit her lip, her eyes filling with tears.

The sudden shift in the situation left the crowd momentarily confused.

“I only wanted to protect your dignity, but you’re being so aggressive.”

Then, Nadine suddenly stood, holding up her phone screen for those nearby to see. The guess close enough to her leaned in–and froze. Their eyes widened, and soon they were glaring at Tess in disgust.

“It’s the exact same sketch! Tess, what do you have to say for yourself?”

Tess’s eyes widened, her lips trembling slightly in shock.

She couldn’t believe it.

A few eager guests quickly asked the image to be projected onto the hall’s big screen.

Nadine hesitated, then nodded, casting Tess a look full of wounded disappointment.

Standing beside Tess, Connor noticed the flicker of emotion on her face. He gently squeezed her sleeve, a silent reassurance.

She felt the pressure at her wrist, brushed aside part of her hat’s veil, and revealed eyes lined

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