Chapter 293
Noelle delicately wiped cherry juice off her fingertips, her face revealing no particular concern. “Back when I was still with the Mosses, I sketched around a dozen designs. When I left, those sketches slipped my mind completely.” In her eyes, those sketches were mere idle doodles, nothing worth fussing over, which explained why she hadn’t even thought to retrieve them when departing.
Ansell quickly connected the dots. “So Willa stole your old sketches and presented them as her creations? That’s disgraceful!”
On social media, the public was enthusiastically praising Willa’s brilliance, oblivious to the truth that every praised design had actually originated from Noelle’s hand.
Just as Ansell was getting riled up, his phone suddenly buzzed to life. After a brief call, he turned toward Noelle. “The Fashion Innovators Alliance removed the Moss family’s brand some time ago, so they’re barred from participating in prominent competitions. However, there’s an upcoming design showcase, and Maxton is begging to be let in. You’re the organization’s president—will you let them enter?”
Before Noelle could respond, Ansell scoffed dismissively. “Why would we even entertain these thieves? Let’s just toss them out!”
Noelle tilted her head slightly, a mischievous smile tugging at her lips. “Why deny them? I’ll gladly approve their entry for the showcase.”
𝗥𝗲со𝘮meո𝘥 galn𝘰v𝖾𝗅𝗌.𝘤𝘰𝗺 𝘵𝘰 у𝗈𝗎𝘳 f𝗿i𝗲ո𝗱s
Confusion clouded his face at first. The question was on the tip of his tongue, but before he could speak, understanding flickered in his eyes. “Now it makes sense! You always sign your creations—leaving a special ‘R’ mark. You’re about to reveal to everyone that Willa and Maxton have been passing off your work as their own. Their reputation is about to take a serious hit!”
With a raised eyebrow and a barely-there smirk, Noelle replied, “Look at you, finally piecing things together.”
A playful grin spread across Ansell’s lips. “Intelligence has always been my strong suit, you know?”
Before anyone realized it, the day of the highly anticipated design showcase arrived.
Every year, the design showcase marked a highlight on the fashion calendar, running for two eventful days. Day one always kicked off with an impressive gathering of top designers, each eager to present their creations and offer sharp critiques. Day two, by contrast, transformed the venue into a glittering party, drawing the fashion world’s brightest stars for a night of glamour. In most years, the whole affair passed by without much excitement—just another date on the calendar.
Everything changed this year, though, when whispers spread that Rhoda—the famed chief designer, now retired from Girood—would be making an appearance. Word of her possible attendance electrified the community. Designers from across the globe booked flights, desperate for a rare encounter with a living legend.
On the morning of the big event, Noelle was pulling on her coat when Farrell burst in, brimming with energy.
“Take me along, Noelle! I have nothing on my plate today, and I’d go crazy sitting around. Let me drive you there!”
Noelle raised an eyebrow. “Since when are you this free? And why is Ethan always so busy?”
Farrell straightened up, wearing the cocky grin he was famous for. “I live for fun, plain and simple. That’s the way I do things.”
Noelle could only shake her head. Honestly, she’d long ago picked up on Farrell’s unique approach to work and play.
.
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