Chapter 4

Three days later, the induction ceremony.

The venue was the city’s most exclusive hotel ballroom.

Noah had clearly pulled out all the stops.

To build momentum for Briar, he had already leaked my design, credited to Briar Thorne, to several friendly media outlets.

Headlines screaming “Architectural Prodigy Takes the World by Storm!” and “Professor Thorne’s Visionary Discovery” were plastered everywhere.

Noah wore a crisp, tailored suit, looking radiant.

Briar, in a white strapless gown, her makeup flawless, nestled against his arm, playing the demure damsel.

“Mr. Hayes is truly young and accomplished, and so sharp-eyed to discover such a talent like Briar!”

“Indeed, a perfect match, a match made in heaven!”

“Briar is Professor Thorne’s final protégé! We seniors will have to look after this little genius in the future, won’t we?”

Noah beamed, unable to contain his joy. While his words were humble, his eyes were practically overflowing with smugness.

“Oh, it’s nothing, really. Briar simply has immense talent and works incredibly hard.”

“Everyone here is part of the same community now, so please, do look after our Briar.”

Noah and Briar revelled in the compliments, completely oblivious to how dark Professor Thorne’s face was on stage!

Professor Thorne took the microphone, his deep voice resounding throughout the ballroom.

“Good evening, distinguished guests. Today, I’ve invited you all here to introduce a young designer whom I deeply admire.”

He gestured to a staff member, who projected a 3D rendering of a design onto the large screen behind him.

It was “The Nest,” the very design I had poured countless sleepless nights into.

“This design, ‘The Nest,’ is a work of genius, whether viewed from its structure, concept, or humanitarian considerations.”

Below the stage, Briar Thorne already wore a triumphant smile. She was even ready to elegantly walk onto the stage the moment Professor Thorne called her name.

Noah also smugly adjusted his tie, preparing to accept everyone’s congratulations.

Just then, I walked into the ballroom, arm in arm with Julian.

Seeing me, the smiles on Noah’s and Briar’s faces froze.

Noah strode towards me, his voice low and sharp. “Audrey Blake! How can you be so clueless?!”

“I know you’re feeling wronged, but today is Briar’s induction ceremony. What are you doing here? Do you *have* to embarrass Briar?!”

On stage, Professor Thorne’s gaze swept across the room, his eyes suddenly sharp.

“Today, besides introducing a true genius, I also want to use this opportunity to reveal a truth and personally rid our design world of plagiarism and its perpetrators!”

At these words, the entire hall fell silent!