The Queen's Back

Chapter 30

Mona's gaze swept over Barbara, and she definitely Barbara.

narrowed her eyes. If anyone in the world couldn't stand to see her succeed, it was

As Mona pondered the situation, Elara, standing beside her, suddenly remarked, "It was because Missy needed to use the restroom that Barbara took the designs. But then why did Barbara go to the restroom herself?"

Her voice was loud enough for those nearby to hear, sparking a wave of murmurs among the onlookers.

Indeed, Barbara had only been asked to deliver the designs because Missy needed to use the restroom. So why did Barbara need to go as well?

The murmurs reached Barbara's ears, prompting her to stand up, and speak in a quiet, seemingly wronged tone. "I just got coffee on my hands and didn't want to stain anyone's designs, so I went to wash them. Is that really something to be suspicious about?" After a pause, she added, "If everyone truly doubts me, I'm willing to withdraw from the competition and let Artemis Rain choose another design to prove my innocence."

Her words were sincere, her gaze steady, projecting an image of someone with nothing to hide. By offering to step down, she seemed to demonstrate her commitment to clearing her name.

Artemis had chosen Barbara's design, and the design department had seen it. The gown was beautifully crafted, particularly the embroidered neckline, which was unique and appealing. Such a design was universally admired, not just by Artemis but by everyone who saw it.

Even if Mona's claim about her design being swapped was true, and she presented her original work, many believed it wouldn't surpass Barbara's. Whether or not Mona's design was swapped seemed irrelevant, as Barbara's gown was already well-received. Leander quickly interjected after hearing Barbara's offer to withdraw. "Barbara, we all believe you're not the type to swap Mona's design. You can't withdraw from this competition!"

Artemis had already selected Barbara's design. If she withdrew, it would be difficult to explain to Artemis, and there was no guarantee anyone else's design could surpass Barbara's. Ultimately, the design department would face the consequences.

talent. There's no need

Even if someone swapped Mona's design, it wasn't Barbara. She just went to wash her hands. The

reason to switch

maintained a calm expression. The truth was, she realized her lack of a strong reputation was part of the problem. If she had a few standout designs to her name, people might have been more inclined to suspect Barbara. With a light tap of her fingers on the table, she said, "It seems

and it was her first significant project in a long while. It held special meaning for her, and she

for the heiress, but Artemis Rain had already left the country,

Chapter 30

5

abroad. Unless you go find her, there's no way to show her your design. But even if you do, there's

in person, the likelihood of her design being chosen was slim. It might be better

had the courage to seek out Artemis and her design was chosen, her reputation would

it, Mona could accept that. What

hesitation, Mona declared, "I'm going to find Artemis

she paused and asked, "May

not even look at it, and her assistant could easily dismiss it. It was better to go in person to show

that her design had indeed been swapped. Otherwise, why would anyone make such a

with surprise, not having anticipated

Artemis Rain? There

about her monthly salary. She promptly took leave