Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 39

Monica stood on the stage, tears glistening in her eyes, looking every part of the role of a pitiful beauty.

Below, the crowd was pointing fingers at Whitney, their voices raised in anger, “If you can’t produce evidence from your computer, get off the stage! Monica is the true design prodigy!”

“Whitney, you don’t deserve to compete. Plagiarism could get you expelled.”

Just at the charity ball the other week, this woman was spreading rumors about Monica’s miscarriage. Now it seems she was framing her all along!” Someone sneered sarcastically from the audience.

The murmurs grew louder.

Whitney stood amid the accusations, her expression icy. Monica had come prepared this time.

“No, it’s not true!” Her assistant burst out angrily, rushing forward. “I watched Whitney work tirelessly through the night on this piece. Monica, you manipulative witch, twisting the truth…”

“Enough,” Aaron interjected, raising his hand. “Whitney, what’s left to argue if you can’t show proof? Plagiarists have no place here, and you’re disturbing the peace! Security, escort these two out.”

Without further ado, Whitney and her assistant were ushered unceremoniously out of the exhibit hall.

The sky was a heavy gray, mirroring the storm brewing in Whitney’s heart. Seated on the steps outside, she reopened her laptop and searched thoroughly once more.

The file folder was gone, her history erased without a trace.

Whitney’s eyes narrowed in cold fury.

Suddenly, her laptop was smashed under a high–heeled shoe!

Monica strutted over, her secretary holding an umbrella to block the pressing reporters. She taunted Whitney with a smirk, “Sis, thanks for creating such a marvelous piece. It won unanimous praise from the judges, no doubt snagging the preliminary round’s crown.

Sure, Simon had already sweet–talked Aaron for me, guaranteeing my victory, but winning with your draft? That’s an indescribable thrill!”

Monica’s whisper was venomous. She pinched Whitney’s cheek maliciously. “You bet everything on this competition, hoping to ruin me and make a comeback. But look at you now. After today, your name will be mud, infamous across the internet. What jewelry company would employ a notorious plagiarist? Whitney, you’re finished! Skye Gem Ltd. is out of your reach!”

Monica left with a triumphant laugh, her recent humiliations avenged.

Whitney remained silent, her gaze icy as she shook off Monica’s hand and stood.

been played, do you? Thought you were so smart,

as Tiana approached, her face as pale

whispered among themselves,

them away, pulling

picked up the crushed laptop. Tiana

have gotten to the

was you, wasn’t

believe me…” Her assistant was bewildered, crying

1/3

stopped Trane’s hand. Don’t be rash, Tiana. It

else had access to

her gaze thoughtful “Remember October 2nd, Tiana? What day was

replied. “We had a gathering with Stella on October 1st, and you stayed at my

turned to the assistant. Has anyone else touched this laptop since

The assistant declared

her eyes

every

though. When I went to the bathroom, she came out of the

pretty face

had already settled

struggled to believe it. “You’re joking, right? How could it be Stella? We’ve known her

never wanted to believe it either.” That was why she had

voice was a whisper crushed by

“Where’s Stella now?”

party at the

face weary. “Then let’s go to

was heavy. “But what if it’s not her?

out this cancer, Monica will

bit her lip and fell

asked, “But how will you make her confess? If

with a cold laugh.

drove Whitney to the Royal One Club with a heavy

City’s most exclusive venue, its owner a

privilege, comprising the city’s

to pull strings just to