Chapter 64

"Miss Rubinstein, if I recall correctly, you're no longer employed at KL Design Group." I arched an eyebrow at Jessica Rubinstein, my fingers drumming lightly on the table. "What gives a terminated former employee the right to interfere here?"

Jessica's face flushed crimson.

"Also," I continued, "how did you even get into this venue? Should I call security to verify your invitation?"

The murmurs in the room grew louder.

All eyes darted between me and Edmund Grandelle. But soon, the skeptical gazes settled firmly on me.

After all, Edmund was a titan in the jewelry design world. Who would believe he'd tarnish his own reputation to frame a newcomer?

"Quite the silver tongue for a little girl," Edmund sneered. "Too bad plagiarism is still plagiarism. No amount of excuses can change that."

I sighed and pulled out my sketchbook.

"Mr. Grandelle, are you certain only this one design is problematic?"

His brows furrowed. "What are you implying?"

My pencil flew across the paper, fluid lines coalescing into an entirely new design.

"If 'Shattered Stars' is accused of plagiarism, then I'll simply present another concept." My voice remained calm. "Inspiration isn't something I lack."

The fresh sketch shimmered under the lights, its monochrome strokes resembling a flowing galaxy.

"But by your logic," I continued sketching without looking up, "this one could also be stolen, couldn't it?"

A second design emerged. Then a third.

Gasps rippled through the crowd.

Alexander Roland stared wide-eyed at the torrent of creativity pouring from my pencil.

"Mr. Grandelle," I lifted the stack of sketches, "surely these can't all be your work too?"

Edmund's complexion darkened.

"If anyone still has doubts," I scanned the room, "why don't Mr. Grandelle and I have a live design challenge?"

The venue erupted.

"That girl has nerves of steel!"

"Challenging Edmund Grandelle? Now that's guts!"

Edmund took an unconscious step back, beads of sweat forming at his temples.

"What's wrong?" I pressed forward. "You came here all fired up to accuse me, but now you won't accept a simple challenge?"

Locking onto his evasive gaze, I enunciated each word: "Who exactly sent you to frame me?"