Chapter 449
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“Zora, according to our sources, TIG’s launch event wasn’t canceled. It went ahead as scheduled”
“ Oh?”
Zora smiled coldly. “They must not have found out yet, which is why they proceeded. Alright then–notify the legal team to draft a cease and desist letter. PR should also get started on a soft campaign accusing them of plagiarism!”
She already had her counterattack strategy mapped out. But her assistant hesitated.
“Zora, we… we might not be able to accuse them.”
“What do you mean?”
“Their theme is different from ours. We’re ‘Majestic Elegance. They used ‘Mythic Silhouettes.””
“Ha! So they think changing the name at the last minute will help them dodge plagiarism charges?”
“It’s more than just the name. Their collection is entirely new. Different aesthetics, different vibe. It’s not plagiarism, the assistant explained nervously.
“What?”
Zora hadn’t expected this at all. She quickly grabbed her phone and began scanning the news for updates on TIG’s show.
To her frustration, TIG’s launch was now trending ahead of XEG’s. “Caitlin must’ve bought the trending spot,” she muttered bitterly.
Clicking into one of the top links, Zora watched the entire show unfold–stage design, model walks, behind–the–scenes highlights. Everything.
Her eyes widened as she took in the designs.
Weren’t they supposed to also feature *Majestic Elegance*?
How… how did it all change so suddenly?
Still trying to piece it together, she was interrupted when Caitlin arrived at The Marquis Room with the TIG team and several fashion elites in
tow.
Caitlin spotted Zora standing by the entrance to The Aurelia Room and waved her guests inside, then walked straight toward her.
She stopped right in front of Zora, her eyes sharp and unflinching.
“Miss Harris. Your XEG show just so happened to take place on the exact same day as ours. And your celebration–right next door. Quite the coincidence. Don’t you think you owe me an explanation?”
“What’s there to explain?” Zora raised her chin with smug indifference. “Lots of brands hold shows on the same day.”
“Sure. But *Majestic Elegance* was our theme. Care to explain how it ended up in your hands?”
Zora’s smile didn’t reach her eyes. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. “Majestic Elegance* is our concept. In fac copyright claim with the proper authorities. So I’d watch your language.”
e already filed a
“Well done,” Caitlin said coldly. “You really are willing to stoop to any level. But stolen things never last. You wanted to see me humiliated , but our launch went ahead. And not just that–it was more successful than yours. Must be disappointing.”
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Her voice grew sharper with every word, her tone laced with icy sarcasm.
“ Go ahead and enjoy your little moment. Let’s see how long it lasts.”
Caitlin turned away, her aura cool and commanding, leaving Zora clenching her fists.
Zora forced a triumphant smile. *So what if Caitlin was mad? She had filed the copyright first. Even if Caitlin brought in lawyers if wodd be useless .
Inside The Marquis Room, TIG’s celebration was already underway.
Just as Caitlin walked back in, she heard someone calling her name.
“Caitlin!”
She turned to see Wendy running in with a bouquet of flowers.
“Wendy! Haven’t seen you in a while–you’ve lost
SO much weight!”
Caitlin gave her a quick once–over, impressed. Wendy looked slimmer, with sharper features and a noticeable glow.
“What motivated this transformation? Don’t tell me it was
love?”
She glanced behind Wendy, spotting Benjamin walking in with his own bouquet. She couldn’t help teasing.
“Absolutely not love!” Wendy said quickly. “I just
wanted an easier summer.”
She didn’t bother explaining that Benjamin’s weird obsession with chubby girls had driven her to slim down–she wanted to become the kind of girl he hated.
“Congrats,” Caitlin laughed.
Benjamin handed over his bouquet. “You were amazing tonight.”
Caitlin took it with a grin. “Thank you! Come on in. Wendy, help me
entertain him.”
Wendy rolled her eyes. “He’s not blind. He can entertain himself.”
She darted into the ballroom to find Molly. Benjamin sighed helplessly–Wendy had grown increasingly annoyed with him.
Simon arrived next.
“Busy night?” Caitlin asked.
“Doesn’t matter. I had to be here to celebrate your success. You and Molly pulled it off flawlessly.”
“Thanks. Go say hi to her.”
Guests continued pouring in. Meanwhile, Nolan and his sister Jillian arrived at the hotel–but they were headed to XEG’s event.
Nolan had attended the XEG show earlier to support his sister–it was her debut as lead designer since returning to th
try
But when he saw Caitlin, he turned to Jillian.
“Let’s go say hi.”
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“ You go . I’ll stay back,” Jillian replied nervously.
She didn’t want to risk running into Sebastian.
Nolan approached Caitlin with a friendly smile. “Caitlin, I saw your launch online, Fantastic work. Congrats!”
“Thank you.”
Just as she caught Jillian trying to sneak away, Caitlin called out.
“Jillian! Don’t leave.”
Jillian paused, wary. “What is it?”
“I have a question.”
Caught under Caitlin’s sharp gaze, Jillian instantly tensed.
“I swear I haven’t gone near Sebastian! Ask Nolan if you don’t believe me!”
She was genuinely scared of Caitlin, and her guilt reflex kicked in.
“That’s not what I’m asking,” Caitlin said bluntly. “I heard you were the lead designer for XEG’s new collection?”
“That’s right.”
“Then tell me–did you personally draw and create the *Majestic Elegance* collection?”
Jillian froze for a moment before answering confidently.
“Yes. I drew and designed it myself. I’m the designer–drawing, planning, producing–that’s my job. Why are you asking?”