The Wrong Woman

"What about social media? Why did you block me?" Sienna inquired.

"Sorry, Sienna. Why exactly did you call me?" Jane's response left Sienna somewhat resigned, a sense of foreboding settling over her. Such was the way of supposed lifelong friends. Sienna had no interest in maintaining one-sided emotional investments in friendships. Cutting straight to the chase, she asked, "Jane, did you write 'Into the Light'?"

There was silence on the other end.

For Sienna, this silence was deafening. She couldn't believe it. Her heart clenched with a mix of sorrow and indignation. "So, 'Into the Light' is really your work?"

"Yes." Jane's voice, though slightly hollow, carried an air of entitlement. "I've already bought the book's copyright and secured a film contract."

Sienna let out a wry smile, her eyes moistening. "I never imagined that my best friend would steal my book. I-"

Before Sienna could finish, Jane cut her off, her tone assertive, "Sienna, my book was published three months before yours. Who copied whom? It's pretty clear, isn't it?"

Sienna sighed bitterly. "Jane, do you know the meaning of shame when you speak like this?"

Once again, Jane fell silent.

Sienna closed her eyes. She took a deep breath and clenched her phone tightly, suppressing her anger.

book and stored it on my laptop. I never thought

remained resolute. "Sienna, let's be clear. I'm the original creator, and you plagiarized my novel. Considering our friendship, I didn't want to sue you. But my company insisted on

them, and as long as you compensate me privately and issue an apology, we can consider this matter settled. There's

was cold. "Jane,

you treasured

relationship so much and

seems I'm more ruthless than you. All I want now

Sienna hung up the

thought that Jane could be behind the plagiarism issue made her

began preparing the materials for the lawsuit. She also got her company to hire a lawyer.

in the

and the lawyer mulled over their options for the impending lawsuit.

proposed seeking a setteet

the slim chances

UM

is a long shot," the lawyer admitted,