Chapter 10%
I never imagined that Faye had stolen not just my painting but the entire concept behind it.
Just then, Ace messaged me. [Everly, I saw everything online. Faye’s about to attend the award ceremony. I’ll report her to the committee…]
But reporting her would only stall things, it wouldn’t clear my name. And what I wanted was for her to return everything she had taken
from me.
I typed back. [Do you really want to help me?]}
[Of course!]
The day before the award ceremony, Faye messaged me, smug and gleeful. “Everly, so what if the painting was yours? I’m the one getting the award, aren’t I?“D
I replied calmly, almost lazily. “Do you really think that award is going to end up in your hands?“}
Faye instantly sprang up.
“Everly, what are you trying to pull? Everything’s already set; this award is mine! Don’t think you can ruin my moment!“}
“Don’t play games with me. You’ve got no proof I plagiarized you. Every major comic company wants to sign me. Who even are you?“) “Say something! Everly, what exactly are you planning?“>
I glanced at the screen, let a small smile form, and sent a screenshot back.
“I didn’t have any proof before. Now I do.”
Haye erupted.
She even called me
“Everly, you think you can steal Brother Ace from me and take my trophy, too? Keep dreaming!”
“You two are divorced! I’m the one Brother Ace really cares about!”
1 listened with amusement to her outburst, then replied lazily, “You really think you’re the one he cherishes?“> “Then tell me, after our divorce, why didn’t you two end up together?”
“Or maybe… he just sees you as a free chicken?”
The sound of something crashing echoed through the phone, followed by Faye’s shrill, unhinged scream. “Ah-”
1 ended the call without hesitation. If Faye wanted to attend the award ceremony so badly, let her.
After all, if something didn’t belong to her, she’d never be able to hold on to it.
The day of the ceremony arrived.
Ace was one of the judges. He even poured a million into the even9 what should’ve been a modest award night into a full–blown media spectacle.
I sat quietly among the audience.}
The livestream chat was already in flames.
Some gushed endlessly, praising the president of Landry Group for showing his love so publicly. Others turned their venom on me, spewing hate at the so–called “plagiarist” who dared show up.
Faye beamed like a queen at her coronation, then strutted over and sneered, “Everly, are you jealous yet? I’ve got both love and money now. Erother Ace only has eyes for me.”
She tossed her freshly styled hair.
“Did you see what the fans are saying on the live stream? Brother Ace and I are the perfect couple.“}
I curled my lips into a faint smile.
“Let’s see if you’re still smiling by the end of the night.”
“You’re just jealous of me, Everly!”
Faye lifted her chin arrogantly, clutching the hem of her gown as she strutted up the stage. Applause roared like thunder across the hall. She stood tall, basking in her illusion of glory. “It’s such an honor to receive this award.”
“Though during the creative process, a few shameless thieves tried to snatch my work, the soul of my art… that can never be stolen.”
The jab was sharp, and the cameras, as if choreographed, turned straight to my face.§
Online, a tidal wave of insults surged through the livestream, each word another stone thrown.”
But then, just as she smiled for the cameras, a recording echoed across the grand hall.
“Rose Maiden‘ really was drawn by Everly? So what? It’s mine now, isn’t it? Even Brother Ace… he’s mine too…”
