Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 38

In the morning light, Whitney, Tiana, and their assistant, each toting a laptop, strode into the competition hall–a hive of creativity and cutthroat ambition.

As they entered, the sleek company vehicle of Skye Gem Ltd. slid to a halt at the entrance. Monica stepped out, her stilettos clicking a rhythmic challenge to the pavement, followed by the formidable procession of her design entourage. The contrast was stark; Whitney’s party felt distinctly out of place, almost shabby.

Their gazes met across the charged space, a silent battle in their standoff.

Monica sauntered past Whitney, her eyebrow arching in a slow, condescending smile. “Look who showed up. Best of luck, Sis. I’m sure you’ll need it to snag first place,” she teased with a voice dripping in lazy sarcasm.

Tiana bristled. “What’s with her snide remarks? And that smug smile–she knows full well your talent. She should be the one shaking in her boots, the fake.”

Whitney’s frown deepened. Tiana’s words echoed her thoughts. Monica’s confidence was unsettling. Even though Monica might have pilfered Whitney’s earlier designs, Whitney had brought her A–game with her latest collection, far surpassing her previous work. Yet Monica appeared utterly unfazed.

Something was amiss.

Tiana’s phone rang abruptly, and she exchanged a few terse words with the person on the other end.

Whitney recognized the voice of Tiana’s fiancé.

“Go,” she urged, “I’ll manage.”

“Of all times for a lunch date. At least Stella is nearby for an ad meeting. Don’t worry about me,” Tiana reassured Whitney before heading out.

Whitney nodded and, with her assistant in tow, proceeded inside.

Her eyes swept the judges‘ panel, a hint of surprise crossing her face–Ludwik, her notorious rival, was conspicuously absent. Was he not the head judge?

had insinuated a compromising offer just days before, and now he showed no interest? She had wanted to prove her mettle to him, but perhaps

She handed in her designs and returned to her

Whitney’s breath hitched.

did that

a rising unease and

room fell into

screen, where her work was displayed next to Monica’s–identical in every way. Her assistant’s grip tightened

what’s happening? How can your work

stood abruptly, her gaze piercing Whitney with incredulity. “Sis,

accusation sent a ripple through the audience, sparking a flurry of speculation about plagiarism. Whitney’s eyes turned to

with a thunderous rage, Whitney declared, “That design is my original creation. Monica

my concept.”

martyrdom. Sis, what are you talking about? That’s

identical submissions, and one must be a copy. You both claim originality, so present

who pulled up the file history on her laptop. The assistant’s face went ashen. “Whitney…” she stammered, pointing to a

work had

she glanced up, she caught Monica smirking triumphantly, her laptop in hand as she approached the

had walked right into Monica’s

projected the file dates on

Whitney.” Aaron turned to her.

technical issue,” Whitney said, her voice like steel. “But Aaron, the concept of that traditional style jewelry is mine. I can detail the entire creative process to prove

judges conferred and

to explain

carefully while nodding, their faces

cut Whitney off, saying, “Sis, that is my

as her own, describing the most intricate