The Road to Rebirth Her Fresh Start and His Late Sorrow by Helena R. Bates

Chapter 86

Neil eagerly grabbed the sketches with both hands, half expecting Judson's favoritism toward Lena to stem from personal affection. But when he saw the design in his palms, his breath hitched, and a chill ran down his spine.

"Quick, do a comparison! Let everyone see what Lena's design looks like."

Even Mathew was shocked, and Susan felt a growing unease. What did Neil mean by that?

Before anyone could gather their thoughts, the lights snapped off. The big screen flickered back to life, rapidly scrolling until a design of a rose-entwined crown was on the screen for all to see.

Thorns curled around a somewhat tarnished crown that still glimmered with a brilliant shine, its charm amplified by the dark beauty of overlapping rose petals and the centerpiece gem. The design was a striking mix of twisted branches and an off-putting crown.

Beneath it read, [A Rose and a Crown, but I Seek Freedom - Lena]

Silence enveloped the room. After a minute of dead air, thunderous applause erupted.

"Man, this rose and crown, it's hard to tell which plays the lead role, but the theme of freedom, the branching rose buds... is this suggesting we shouldn't be confined?"

"It doesn't matter what it is about. What baffles me is how such an exquisite, lifelike design was lost to Susan's tacky Rose Sword!"

stunning. It's a shame it won't grace

praised one, smiled, "It's okay. The jewelry line we're developing with the Sandro

Baldrick

right! Frowning, Judson stepped between them, vowing

peel his eyes away from the design, his face drained of color, lips trembling.

livid. "Mathew, are you blind? How could such a beautiful design not

all your trash-talking about Lena, NY isn't going

frozen, their

at Nancy, "Lena, how could you create something like this? You must have

instantly while Nancy calmly retorted, "I know it's hard for you to

Susan was speechless. "You!"

you knew your true level." Judson sharply interjected, "But sadly, you're doomed.

guards rushed

desperation, Susan cried out, "Mathew, save me. I'm

would I have dismissed Miss Lena's design without a glance if it

but the guards pulled