Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon

Chapter 114

Effie's expression grew instantly serious. “Miss Isabel, you may not like my work, but please don't insult my integrity. I did not plagiarize."

With that, she reached into her bag and pulled out a folder, handing it to Isabel. "Here are my original sketches and notes from the design process. Feel free to look them over. And if that's not enough, I can contact the SW Studio-they can vouch for me."

Isabel scoffed. "Miss Bagnold, what's that supposed to mean? Are you trying to say you have some connection to SW?"

Unbelievable. The nerve.

But Effie nodded calmly, her voice steady. "Yes. SW mentored me. When I was studying in Paris, I was fortunate enough to learn jewelry design under her guidance. So, of course I'm able to use the design elements you mentioned."

For a moment, Isabel was stunned. She hadn't expected Effie to have such an impressive background.

No wonder her designs were exceptional-she'd been taught by one of the top masters in the field. Effie was SW's protégé?

A flurry of emotions crossed Isabel's face. How could this be possible? Their worlds should never have overlapped.

sometimes fate works in

she earned a chance to study abroad. One day, she helped an elderly woman in need-never guessing that the woman was Sophia Williams, the internationally renowned jewelry

jewelry design, she

know SW's real identity-SW was famously reserved and rarely appeared in magazines. Effie simply treated her

a while, SW realized not only her creative potential but also her genuine

back in the States. SW,

two stayed in touch, exchanging ideas and

things changed when the

told anyone she was SW's protégé. She didn't want unnecessary attention or complications. More than anything, she wanted her work to speak for itself-unclouded by her

her designs, not just the

today who was such

steady gaze for any sign of a lie. But Effie looked

impossible for

really SW's apprentice?" Isabel's voice was shaky, as if she couldn't quite believe