Chapter 3

The Horizon Spire bidding hall buzzed like a hive.

I slid into a corner, eyes locked on Nebula Studio's rep.

Abigail.

Gone was her sweet intern act. Today she strutted up in a power suit, hair pinned tight, makeup on point—like she actually belonged here. Cute.

She took a breath.

"My inspiration came from the eye of the city. We hope this won't just be a cold structure, but a living body that breathes with the city and bears witness to its growth..."

Yeah. My words. My nights, my caffeine, my bloodshot eyes. Every line I'd whispered to Matthew when I still thought he was on my side.

I used to think those words were our deepest connection.

Turns out, it was just me talking to myself while he quietly pocketed everything.

My gaze landed on the judges' table, and wow, the irony stung.

Matthew sat there like some VIP—perfect suit, perfect hair, playing the part of the golden boy. He leaned forward, nodding along like Abigail was reciting scripture. The way he looked at her? Pure pride. A look he never once wasted on me.

To him, I was scenery. Background noise.

My phone buzzed. Donna.

[Want me to crash this with a baseball bat?]

I smirked and tapped back: [Hold tight.]

Onstage, Abigail hit her big finish. The screen lit up with my renderings—straight off my stolen files.

The room gasped. Then came the applause, loud enough to rattle the walls.

The host beamed. "Thank you, Ms. Barne. Now, let's hear from our special guest judge, Dreamforge Studio's own Mr. Matthew Kein."

The mic landed in his hand.

He gave Abigail that soft look, the kind he'd never wasted on me. "Honestly? I'm impressed. Ms. Barne's design balances artistry and practicality perfectly. Those adjustments to the structure? Bold—truly INSPIRED."

Inspired. His little dagger of a word.

He let the pause drag, scanning the crowd like a king on parade.

"I believe this work is today's clear winner."

Applause crashed again, louder, sharper.

My heartbeat drowned everything else out.

The host grinned, clutching the mic. "Thank you, Mr. Kein, for such high praise! Looks like Nebula Studio's the clear frontrunner. Any questions for Ms. Barne?"

Silence.

Matthew's seal of approval was gospel. No one dared push back.

Abigail beamed like she'd just been crowned.

I slid my phone away and stood. Chairs squeaked, claps stalled, every head swiveling my way.

The host blinked. "And you are...?"

Matthew's smile locked in place.