The Queen's Back

Mona's gaze swept over Barbara, and she definitely Barbara.

narrowed her eyes. If anyone in the world couldn't stand to see her succeed, it was

As Mona pondered the situation, Elara, standing beside her, suddenly remarked, "It was because Missy needed to use the restroom that Barbara took the designs. But then why did Barbara go to the restroom herself?"

Her voice was loud enough for those nearby to hear, sparking a wave of murmurs among the onlookers.

Indeed, Barbara had only been asked to deliver the designs because Missy needed to use the restroom. So why did Barbara need to go as well?

The murmurs reached Barbara's ears, prompting her to stand up, and speak in a quiet, seemingly wronged tone. "I just got coffee on my hands and didn't want to stain anyone's designs, so I went to wash them. Is that really something to be suspicious about?" After a pause, she added, "If everyone truly doubts me, I'm willing to withdraw from the competition and let Artemis Rain choose another design to prove my innocence."Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

Her words were sincere, her gaze steady, projecting an image of someone with nothing to hide. By offering to step down, she seemed to demonstrate her commitment to clearing her name.

Artemis had chosen Barbara's design, and the design department had seen it. The gown was beautifully crafted, particularly the embroidered neckline, which was unique and appealing. Such a design was universally admired, not just by Artemis but by everyone who saw it.

Even if Mona's claim about her design being swapped was true, and she presented her original work, many believed it wouldn't surpass Barbara's. Whether or not Mona's design was swapped seemed irrelevant, as Barbara's gown was already well-received. Leander quickly interjected after hearing Barbara's offer to withdraw. "Barbara, we all believe you're not the type to swap Mona's design. You can't withdraw from this competition!"

Artemis had already selected Barbara's design. If she withdrew, it would be difficult to explain to Artemis, and there was no guarantee anyone else's design could surpass Barbara's. Ultimately, the design department would face the consequences.

"Yeah, yeah, you were chosen by a celebrity because of your talent. There's no need to jeopardize your future over this," someone chimed in.

"Exactly. Even if someone swapped Mona's design, it wasn't Barbara. She just went to wash her hands. The person who swapped the design must be among the crowd."

"That's right. Barbara has no reason to switch Mona's design. Her own work is excellent."

As Mona listened to the chatter around her, she maintained a calm expression. The truth was, she realized her lack of a strong reputation was part of the problem. If she had a few standout designs to her name, people might have been more inclined to suspect Barbara. With a light tap of her fingers on the table, she said, "It seems we can't identify who swapped the designs right now. I won't. pursue it further for the moment, but I want to know if there's a way to remedy this situation."

Mona had put a lot of effort into her design, and it was her first significant project in a long while. It held special meaning for her, and she couldn't let it go without a fair chance.

Leander frowned slightly. Under normal circumstances, he wouldn't mind making another attempt for the heiress, but Artemis Rain had already left the country, leaving him with no options. 75%1

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"Artemis Rain has gone abroad. Unless you go find her, there's no way to show her your design. But even if you do, there's no guarantee she'll choose it," Leander said honestly.

His words implied that Mona might be wasting her effort. Even if she met Artemis in person, the likelihood of her design being chosen was slim. It might be better to let it go.

Everyone turned their eyes to Mona, curious about her decision. If she had the courage to seek out Artemis and her design was chosen, her reputation would soar. But if Artemis rejected it, she risked damaging her reputation. Most people would have accepted the situation, but Mona wasn't one to take things lying down.

Even if Artemis didn't like her design after seeing it, Mona could accept that. What she couldn't accept was her design being dismissed without even being considered.

Without hesitation, Mona declared, "I'm going to find Artemis Rain."

Her voice wasn't loud, but it was firm. After speaking, she paused and asked, "May I ask you for Artemis' contact information?"

She quickly shook her head, realizing that sending a photo wouldn't convey sincerity. Artemis might not even look at it, and her assistant could easily dismiss it. It was better to go in person to show genuine intent. The design department was taken aback by Mona's decision. Most hadn't expected her to take such a bold step.

Mona's determination convinced many that her design had indeed been swapped. Otherwise, why would anyone make such a choice?

Barbara watched Mona with surprise, not having anticipated that Mona would make such a bold decision.

But what difference would it make if Mona went to find Artemis Rain? There was no guarantee that Artemis would even agree to meet her.

As the Clem family's heiress, Mona wasn't concerned about her monthly salary. She promptly took leave from work and left the company.

After leaving, Mona took a taxi home, where her original gown design was kept. On the way, she called Maxwell. He answered after just two rings.

In the Carter Group's boardroom, the directors were taken aback to see Maxwell, seated at the head of the table, answering a call with a hint of a smile on his face. "Hello?"

Maxwell's deep, resonant voice came through, and Mona felt a sense of relief, as if she had found someone to lean on. "Maxwell, I need to talk to you."

L

"Sure, go ahead. I'm listening," he replied, standing up and gazing out the window, his thoughts lingering on Mona's beautiful face.

For some reason, hearing Maxwell's reassurance made Mona's feelings of frustration and injustice well up inside her. She poured out her heart, telling him about her design being swapped and her plan to go abroad.

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