Chapter 174
Laura’s unusually serious expression made Edith and Callum nervous. Did Laura want to talk about the hoax news circulating on social media? Since Laura had been so trusting, would Laura also want to accuse Edith of deceiving her?
Of course, Edith and Callum didn’t refuse Laura’s invitation. They chatted in the playground waiting area, while the children played to their heart’s content. Edith’s hands were still trembling, afraid Laura would turn on her because of the hoax. Suddenly, Callum touched her hand, calming her down a bit.
“Edith, why did you look so scared of me earlier p>
“I am not afraid p>
Laura laughed awkwardly as she stared at the couple holding hands. “Why are you acting like I’m going to torture you? I’m just trying to talk to you p>
“If you want to be hostile to my fiancé, I won’t let you p>
“Wait a minute! Don’t misunderstand! I want to tell you that I have proof that the news on the internet is fake p>
Edith and Callum exchanged confused glances. Edith’s gaze returned to Laura. “What do you mean p>
“Ariadne actually wants to destroy your business. She’s actually my cousin p>
“What?!” Edith and Callum screamed in unison.
“Yes, she’s my cousin, and I’ve never acknowledged her because we’re not close. But she once incited me to stay away from you because she’s hated you for a long time p>
“But how do you know she’s the one spreading the hoax? Do you have any proof?” Callum asked.
Laura took her phone out of her sling bag and played a video showing a woman handing a flash drive to a man in a closed-off outfit. Edith and Callum watched the video intently.
“I accidentally saw Ariadne communicating with someone because I noticed her acting suspiciously at a dinner a few days ago. I followed her secretly and accidentally overheard their conversation p>
Callum, hearing Ariadne’s explicit order to spread the fake news, immediately flew into a rage. He groaned in annoyance and flipped his shirt collar.
“I will imprison her for framing Edith! How dare she destroy Edith’s reputation for her own selfishness p>
Laura lowered her head. “I’m sorry, I thought Ariadne wouldn’t go this far, so I kept quiet. But she really did p>
Edith shook her head slowly, touching her friend’s shoulders with both hands. “In fact, I’m grateful to you because you’ve been so helpful to me right now p>
“Edith is right. If you don’t tell us, we won’t be able to catch the real culprit p>
“But, is my evidence enough to put her in jail p>
“Of course I already have another plan now to embarrass her p>
Laura stared at her friend’s still-relaxed expression, making her even more curious. “So, what are you planning to do now p>
“Actually, I need your help again, Laura. I want you to make sure Ariadne participates in the competition that’s being held this week p>
“What competition p>
Edith showed Callum a poster for the fashion show competition she’d been given earlier. “This competition isn’t just a fashion show. Each designer must be able to present the meaning of their design. Also, I want you to help Ariadne choose her design to use in the competition p>
“Make sure she chooses the same plan as Edith.” Callum said firmly.
“But will this work? Ariadne’s reputation is better than yours, Edith p>
“I don’t mind being criticized during the competition. But now is the perfect time to reveal the truth p>
Laura nodded, patting her chest. “Leave this to me. I won’t let that woman take you down just because you’ve been superior to her lately p>
“Our friends will help with the rest. You just have to talk to Ariadne p>
“This job is quite easy for me. Actually, I already have a plan to trick her p>
Now Edith began her mission of revenge. She accompanied Renata to a building to register for the competition. She presented her proposal to the committee chair with a confident look, despite the gossip from many committee members behind her back.
The committee chair smiled sarcastically at the proposal Edith had submitted. Without even opening a single page, he immediately returned it to Edith.
“Sorry, we cannot accept you as a participant p>
Renata immediately clenched her right fist. “How dare you say something like that before you even saw the results of our proposal p>
Edith patted Renata’s shoulder to calm her down for a moment.
“Because we can’t accept a designer who has plagiarized. That’s a despicable act p>
Edith folded her hands. “Isn’t a committee that immediately rejects participant registration without looking at the proposal first a despicable act p>
“This is for your own good. You’d be better off giving up than having your reputation ruined even further p>
Renata scratched her head in annoyance, wrapping her arms around her boss. “We’re not leaving here until you let Edith participate in this competition p>
“This is a national competition. Do you want people to see a plagiarized designer daring to compete using plagiarized work p>
“Actually, I want to bet on you. If I can prove that my work is genuine, I’ll build a good reputation for you too p>
“How are you going to prove it? Is it because your fiancé is a famous CEO that you’re going to rely on him to bribe us p>
“No. I wouldn’t act so foolishly. This certainly has nothing to do with my fiancé p>
“If you’re confident enough to compete, I won’t stop you. But if you damage the reputation of this competition, you’ll have to face the consequences p>
Edith finally managed to confirm her registration for the competition. Now it was time for her to focus on preparing for the competition, which would be held this week. Due to the current unfavorable situation, she had to postpone the summer fashion show until next week. After all, she had no one to advocate for her now, except her own employees, close friends, and her beloved fiancé.
Edith walked into the design room and stared at a sparkling maroon dress displayed in a glass cabinet.
“I will definitely win this competition p>