Suzan quickly regained herposure.


    She had been preparing for this moment all along. In fact, she''d even gone so far as to forge a few design sketches and timelines ahead of time, just to "prove" her originality.


    A cold, mocking smile tugged at her lips as she muttered under her breath, "Effie, this time, I''ll make sure you''re ruined for good."


    Without hesitation, Suzan opened herptop, logged into her social media ount, and posted her so-called evidence for everyone to see. She added a public statement:


    "I''m deeply saddened by the recent controversy in the designmunity.


    As a designer, I have always stood by originality and have zero tolerance for giarism. I reserve the right to pursue legal action against those acting in bad faith.


    I hope everyone can look at this matter rationally and support true original work." Her words sounded righteous and convincing, crafted with perfect logic.


    The post went viral almost instantly, drawing in a flood of viewers andments.


    Suzan''s fans rushed to her defense, sting Effie as a "copycat," with some even demanding Effie be cklisted from the design world.


    "Stay strong, Suzan! We''ll always support you!"


    "Copycats have no ce in design. Effie, get out!"


    Watching the avnche of supportivements, Suzan''s lips curved into a self- satisfied smirk.


    Public opinion was a powerful force. As long as she kept the moral high ground, there was no way Effie could ever recover.


    The situation kept escting, the public debate burning hotter with each passing hour.


    By now, Lyman must have heard about it too. He reached out to Effie right away.


    Effie told him everything.


    Lyman finally let out a breath he''d been holding. "Don''t worry about a thing-just do what you feel is right. I''ve got your back."


    Effie felt a gentle warmth in her chest at his words.


    With Lyman behind her, she wasn''t afraid of anything.


    Just as the uproar reached its peak, a new post quietly appeared online-this


    time with photos and video evidence attached.


    Etheridge Group, CEO''s Office


    Luther reported respectfully, "Mr. Etheridge, Miss Bagnold has posted an update."


    Lyman nodded, his tone resolute. "Boost it. Get it trending."


    "Yes, sir."


    Meanwhile, Effie was ready to face the public and clear the air once and for all.


    She reached out to thepetitionmittee herself, exining everything.


    Themittee took the matter seriously and even organized a press conference to address the issue.


    It was a big deal in the fashion world, drawing a crowd of journalists.


    At exactly 10 a.m., Effie arrived in a simple white dress, standing tall as she faced the barrage of cameras and questions.


    The reporter at the front, bold and sharp-tongued, fired the opening shot. "Miss Bagnold, what''s your response to the usation that you giarized Suzan''s designs?"


    Effie nced at the reporter, then replied calmly, "What evidence do you have to say I copied her work?"


    The reporter was caught off guard, her expression souring as she retorted, "Isn''t it obvious? You haven''t produced any convincing proof to clear your name, and honestly, you don''t seem to have any remarkable work to your credit either."


    Effie let out a coldugh. "Is that how you do journalism? Jump to conclusions without evidence? What if she copied me?"


    The reporter was visibly angered now, her voice rising. "If Suzan really did steal your designs, I''ll get down on my knees and apologize to you in public."


    She had, after all, epted Suzan''s favor, so she was determined to defend her to the bitter end.