Chapter 3

The bidding conference for the "Skyline Center" project was packed and buzzing.

I found an inconspicuous corner and sat down, watching the representative from Starry Design walk onto the stage.

It was Leo.

Today, he wore a tailored professional suit, looking more like a seasoned executive.

He took a deep breath and began to explain his design concept.

"My design inspiration comes from 'The Eye of the City.' We hope it won't just be a cold structure, but a living entity that breathes with the city, witnessing its growth..."

Every single word of that speech, I had spoken to Camilla countless nights, fueled by coffee, my eyes bloodshot from exhaustion.

I once thought that was the most perfect soul connection between us.

Now I knew it was just my own solo performance, and she, the most patient thief.

Even more ironic, Camilla was sitting in the special guest section of the judging panel.

She listened intently, nodding occasionally, her gaze on Leo filled with a brilliance I’d never seen before, a possessive pride that regarded him as a treasure she couldn't wait to flaunt to the world.

She completely ignored me in the corner, as if I were nothing more than an irrelevant backdrop.

My phone vibrated in my palm. It was a message from Marcus.

"Need me to show up with a baseball bat and crash the party?"

I looked at the screen, a slight curve forming on my tightly drawn lips. I texted back two words: "Stand by."

On stage, Leo's presentation reached its climax, the final rendering—the very one stolen from my computer—displayed on the projector.

A low gasp rippled through the audience.

The presentation ended, and applause thundered.

The host stepped onto the stage. "Thank you, Mr. Hayes, for your brilliant presentation. Next, we invite our special guest judge, a highly respected veteran in our industry, Ms. Camilla Thorne from Dream Weaver Design, to offer her comments on this proposal."

The microphone was handed to Camilla.

She cleared her throat, her gaze gently resting on Leo as she began.

"Frankly, I'm genuinely surprised."

"Mr. Hayes's design perfectly balances artistic aesthetics with practical function, especially the subtle adjustments to several critical load-bearing structures. It's incredibly bold, incredibly inspired."

She used the word "inspired."

The same word she used to describe Leo, to wound me.

She paused, her gaze sweeping across the room.

"I believe this work is, without a doubt, the best of today."

Applause erupted again, louder than before.

In that moment, my world went silent, save for the dull thudding of my heart in my chest.

The host smiled, taking the microphone. "Thank you, Ms. Thorne, for your high praise! It seems Starry Design is poised for victory this time! Now, are there any other guests or judges who would like to ask Mr. Hayes a question?"

The room fell silent.

With Camilla's "expert" seal of approval, there seemed to be nothing left to ask.

Leo bowed on stage, his face alight with barely concealed triumph and joy.

I put my phone away and, in the brief lull before everyone prepared to applaud again, stood up.

My movement was slight, but it instantly drew everyone's attention.

The host blinked, a little flustered. "Sir, may I ask who you are?"

Camilla's smile froze.