Chapter 24

Bella's legal letter escalated the plagiarism incident. Even the Starlight Jewelry Competition issued an official statement permanently blacklisting me. However, the Century Jewelry Competition remained silent. Shortly after Bella sent her letter, Hugo called. I answered calmly, recording the conversation.

"Sophia, what the hell are you doing? Who authorized you to use that design draft in the competition?" Hugo raged.

Having given up on him, I replied calmly, "I drew the design. Can't I use it?"

Hugo exploded. "But you didn't say you'd use it in the competition!"

My eyes flashed. "As far as I remember, I didn't promise to give the design draft to Bella. Moreover, it's my design. Don't I, the creator, have the right to use it?"

Hugo's tone softened slightly. "Sophia, you have to understand: Bella is far more valuable to Trifleming Jewelry than you are. This will ruin the company!"

I sneered. It wasn't about Trifleming Jewelry; it was about Hugo.

He continued, "We'll hold a press conference. You'll admit to plagiarizing Bella's work, and I'll get her to drop the lawsuit. You'll be a housewife soon; it won't affect you!"

His shamelessness was astounding. "Hugo, admitting to plagiarism will blacklist me from all competitions. How can you say that?"

He seemed desperate. "Even blacklisted, it's better than Bella being blacklisted. She's far more valuable, with all her awards. Don't you have any self-worth? If you want to be with me, admit to plagiarism at the press conference!"

My eyes rolled. "Fine! I'll be there."

He relaxed. "The press conference is at 10:00. Don't be late, Sophia. I'm doing this for our future!"

I was sick of his words. "I'll be there," I said before hanging up.

I'd been on the phone a while. Five minutes before the press conference, a post debunking the entire affair, with supporting images and videos, quietly appeared online.

Rakovski Jewelry, CEO's Office:

The assistant addressed the CEO, "Mr. Strakovski, Miss Sophia has posted something!"

Lukas stood up. "One minute before the press conference. Maximize her reach and maintain the hype! I'll be right back."

"Yes, Mr. Strakovski."

Lukas grabbed his jacket and left.

Backstage, Hugo again reminded me what to say. "Do you know what to say?"

I nodded calmly. "Yes."

He reached for me; I evaded.

He sighed. "I know you've been wronged. I'm sorry. This won't happen again!"

I remained silent.

At 10:00 a.m., the press conference began.

A day later, I faced reporters' questions.

The front-row reporter was sharp. "Miss Sophia, regarding the plagiarism of Bella's design, how will you apologize?"

I sneered. "Did you really think I plagiarized Bella?"

He was taken aback. "Do we even need to question it? If she plagiarized you, wouldn't that be a joke?"

My eyes flashed. "What if she did plagiarize me?"

Hugo's face darkened. "Sophia, what the hell are you doing?" he whispered angrily.

I ignored him.

The reporter boldly declared, "If Bella plagiarized you, I'll eat ten pounds of shit!" The reporters laughed.

I remained impassive. "Then prepare to eat shit!"

Checking my phone, I saw my post had rocketed to the top of trending. Mr. Strakovski had clearly helped me.

I smiled, looking at the reporters. "Everyone, please check the trending Instagram post. Ask any questions you have after reading it!"

Note: Some stylistic choices were made to improve flow and readability. The original text contained some inconsistencies and informal language which has been adjusted for a more polished tone.