Chapter 2

The day of the jewelry design competition, I didn't even want to participate.

But Julian approached me, urging me to join, saying it would be a fair competition.

I gave in to his wishes and participated in the competition that would decide my future.

But an accident happened. During the jewelry design presentation, my work and Julian's were identical, even the name was the same: "Deep Sea Pearl."

I never expected Julian had already stolen my design sketches, just waiting for this moment.

He threw the sketches into public view, accusing me of plagiarizing his work.

My heart plummeted into an icy abyss.

Countless mocking stares fell upon me.

I was utterly humiliated in front of all the teachers, students, and my parents, losing the competition amidst their laughter.

On the distant podium, Julian looked down at me, his lips forming a clear, silent word: "You lost."

Yes, I lost, losing everything.

I wanted to run, but before I could even take a step, a bucket of icy water came splashing down from above.

It was Julian's friends.

“A plagiarizing scum like him thinks he can compete? Noah Blackwood, don't you have any shame?”

Laughter erupted from the third-floor balcony.

I looked up at their hypocritical smiles, feeling utterly sickened.

Julian Blackwood would betray and frame his own brother just to get the family inheritance. This was the "brother" I'd called mine for twenty years. How utterly pathetic...

I let out a cold, hollow laugh, my body trembling with sorrow.