This turn of events was certainly not on Sylvia''s radar. Bridget was pulling out all the stops to undermine her.
Who giarized whom? Bridget knew the answer better than anyone, yet here she was, trying to frame Sylvia for copying her work.
Drawing inspiration
What a choice of words.
Especially after a reporter reminded everyone that Sylvia had seen Bridget''s design drafts ahead of time. If Sylvia admitted to drawing inspiration, it would be tantamount to admitting that Bridget was superior, hence her need to borrow ideas for herpetition piece. Denying it, on the other hand, would make her look stubborn and guilty, tainting her second-ce victory.
Bridget, ying peacemaker, chimed in, "Let''s not get carried away, everyone. Being an inspiration to Sylvia is an honor for me."
Then, feigning sorrow, she added, "But, I did incorporate sun motifs in my design because I likened the sun to Rupert. His light makes everything beautiful. To have that ''borrowed'' does sting a bit."
Her cheeks flushed with a coy blush as she spoke. Some in the crowd began to murmur and snap more photos. Rupert, however, remained cool and impassive, his emotions unreadable.
A reporter, seizing the moment to tter, said, "I''d be upset too. You use the sun, and she uses stars and moon. Isn''t that tantly provocative? It''s just a shame Ms. Simpson''s graciousness is lost on some, who can''t even acknowledge it." Sylvia let out a derisiveugh, finding the whole situation absurd.
Confused, the reporter asked, "What''s so funny?"
Sylvia replied, "Do you have any idea how many pieces of jewelry throughout history have featured the sun or stars? So, I''d like to know, which of those artists did Ms. Simpson draw inspiration from?"
The reporter was left speechless.
Bridget bit her lip, attempting to steer the conversation back. "Sylvia, we''re talking about thispetition. Why bring up anything else?"
The reporter, feeling encouraged, countered, "Exactly, in thispetition, only the two of you chose celestial themes. What''s wrong with my question?"
Sylvia, locking eyes with them, said calmly, "If you think it''s about drawing inspiration, then why would I choose stars over the sun?"
The reporter, puzzled, asked, "What do you mean?"
Sylvia lifted her gaze to the camera and replied deliberately, word by word, "The sun belongs to the day not the night, and definitely not to
stars of the moon. They''re not of the same world. Why mix them
swnov
The room fell silent. Different worlds entirely; there was no question of borrowing ideas. Rupert nced at Sylvia, his gaze deep and chilling, sending a shiver down her spine.
''e''
Sylvia, clenching her fists, steadied herself. She challenged Bridget, "Ms. Simpson, your jewelry collection is so vast, yet the sun element is so tiny. Does that mean Rupert holds such @small ce in your heart? Such a dim light can''t illuminate your world. If you truly loved Rupert, shouldn''t the sun dominate your design?"
Sylvia threw the question back at Bridget. The cameras turned to Bridget.
"Yeah, Ms. Simpson, if you also believed Sylvia borrowed from your work, why is the sun motif so minor?"
Bridget opened her mouth but had
no response. She couldn''t answer.
After all, the concept wasn''t
originally hers. She didn''t
understand Sylvia''s design
philosophy.
en
As reporters swarmed Bridget and Rupert, Sylvia made her exit. The icy gaze behind her followed like a shadow.
...
Backstage.
Sylvia was packing up to leave when a bouquet of flowers suddenly appeared before her.
"Sylvia, congrattions."
She looked up to see Warren, his presence warm andforting. epting the bouquet, she couldn''t help but smile. "Thanks."
"I''ve made reservations for us. How about we celebrate?"
"Sounds good." Sylvia nodded, feeling famished after the day''s battle.
Warren took her bag as she admired the flowers. In that brief moment of distraction, Warren leaned in closer to her.