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.

her, Monica’s laughter continued. “You still don’t get why you’ve been played, do you? Thought you

away as Tiana approached, her

Whitney’s downfall, and the onlookers whispered among themselves, especially the shareholders from Skye Gem, who scorned Whitney for her

them away, pulling Whitney to

up the crushed laptop. Tiana whirled around, her eyes blazing as

could have gotten

you, wasn’t it?” Did Monica’s lackey buy

wasn’t me, I swear, Whitney, please believe me…” Her assistant was bewildered,

1/3

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

had access to your

gaze thoughtful “Remember

a gathering with Stella on October 1st, and

assistant. Has anyone else touched this laptop since we

The assistant

frowned, but her eyes held

every

bathroom, she came out of the ad room and

pretty face

already

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

either.” That was why she had never suspected

was a

“Where’s Stella now?”

a celebration party at

got into the car, her face weary. “Then let’s go to the

heart was heavy. “But what if it’s not her? We

and we don’t root out this cancer, Monica

her lip and fell

her confess? If she denies everything and we have

with a cold laugh.

drove Whitney to the Royal One

Banyan City’s most exclusive venue, its owner

was a closely guarded privilege, comprising the city’s

strings just to