Chapter 3

I asked my parents to begin the annulment process, but I still had other matters to deal with.

I had prepared for the design competition for far too long to give up at the final moment.

If nothing went wrong, my entry would take first place.

At the award ceremony, the host had just read my name when the doors burst open.

"Wait. There's a problem with the results."

Everyone turned toward Aaron.

He fixed his eyes on me. "Mr. Dalton, I know you have money and influence, but I'd like to fight for justice."

I frowned. "What justice?"

A mocking smile tugged at his lips. "The design that won first place was actually created by me."

Willa stepped out from behind him.

"Shane, I don't understand why you're so vain. You knew Aaron and I were close, yet you used my name to steal his work. You were born with a silver spoon. You have no idea how hard it is for someone to climb upward. I hope you return what belongs to Aaron and apologize to him in front of everyone."

I gritted my teeth forcefully.

To admit plagiarism in the design competition would ruin me. Willa wasn't stupid. She knew that confessing here would end any future I had as a designer.

This dream was all I wanted, and even though my heart had already been shredded a thousand times, her words still cut deep.

My voice came out hoarse. "I designed that piece myself. I stole nothing."

Aaron let out a sharp laugh. "You designed it? That ring was handmade by me for Willa. She's my goddess. I knew I'd never have a chance with her, so the ring was my blessing for her future marriage.

My eyes flew wide. That ring had been the engagement ring I designed for Willa, carrying every wish I'd had for her.

I never imagined she would reveal something so personal just to help him.

A vein pulsed hard at my temple.

Willa continued, acting righteous. "You're a Dalton, so of course you can throw your weight around. I'm here to make things right for Aaron."

She pulled out her phone. On the screen was a video. In it, I slipped quietly into her study, picked up the design drafts from her desk, and left with them.

"What else do you have to say?" she asked, staring at me.

My mouth opened, but no words came.

They had planned everything long before today. The person in the footage was me. I hadn't gone there to steal anything, but I had no way to prove otherwise.

Someone threw something at me, then another followed, until trash rained over me.

"Shameless thief!"

"How awful that someone like this made it into the competition."

"Good thing Ms. Quinn exposed him, or who knows how long this injustice would have lasted."

"This is the world we live in. Ordinary people can't win against the rich."

Covered in filth, I stared at Willa with bloodshot eyes. She walked to the organizers. "He's a thief. He doesn't deserve to compete. Throw him out."

"That design is mine," I shouted, feeling something inside me tear.

The organizers looked between the two of us. Finally, one turned to me, "Please step aside. We need to investigate this matter."

A cold heaviness dropped into my chest. They believed her.

I tried to defend myself. "I designed that piece myself. It has nothing to do with anyone else."

"Can you prove the design belongs to you?"

I fell silent. If I had any way to prove it, I wouldn't be standing here cornered.

One of the staff held out a hand. "Mr. Dalton, please leave for now."

I had just taken a step to turn away when a voice rose from behind me.

"Wait. I have evidence that Shane is the real designer."