Chapter 19
"Shakira, you- In a fit of rage, Yvette turned around, only to find it wasn't Shakira holding her back but the venue's security guard.
The guard, with a stern look, forcefully escorted Yvette to the front of the stage. Instantly, chaos erupted among the audience and online. "What's happening? Who's being accused of plagiarism?"
"Seriously, can't you tell? Yvette is the one who copied."
"Wow, she's bold enough to cheat during a nationwide livestream. Does she think she can get away with anything because she's a rich girl? She's totally done for now." The Nelson family stood up together, feeling the gazes directed at them.
Cody's face darkened with rage. "Is Sean out of his mind? Does he want to humiliate us in front of everyone?"
Mitchell's fists clenched, and unlike usual, he didn't rush to defend Yvette. He knew this wasn't just Sean's doing-it was... His gaze zeroed in on Shakira, who remained calm and collected in the middle of the chaos. Onstage/Yvette finally grasped what was happening and started to defend herself. "What are you doing? What plagiarism? You're accusing the wrong person!"
Panic surged within her. 'How could I get caught? Shakira is right next to me, and she hasn't said a thing! How could they possibly know anything?'
A determined judge shouted, "Yvette, is Galaxy your original work?"
Without missing a beat, Yvette replied, "Of course! I created it right here onstage in front of all of you."
Cody and the others pushed through the crowd to confront the judges and security. "What do you mean you're accusing my daughter of stealing? I'm calling the Nelson family lawyers right now, and you will pay for this nonsense." Cody was furious-Sean had embarrassed them by backing out of the collaboration, and now he was even trying to make them look bad in front of everyone. The j judge let let out a sarcastic laugh, crushing Yvette's last attempt at defense and Cody's pride. "During our preliminary round, we already received the design 'Galaxy,' and Yvette's is a clear, unaltered copy. This is a disgrace to the fashion design. world." As soon as he finished speaking, the big screen lit up with a design that looked exactly like Yvette's Galaxy, but below it was another name. "Shakira Nelson!"
"Wait, 'Galaxy' is Shakira's work?"
"Oh my God, Yvette was stealing in front of everyone. How dare she?"
"Not just plagiarism, but from Shakira? Wow, I guess that last name really means something. Turns out it was a second-rate copy after all-so pathetic."
Shakira is amazing! Her designs have so much soul, and she can pull off so many styles. Is she here just to show everyone how it's done?"
Amidst the buzzing crowd, Yvette froze. Her eyes widened, her face drained of color, and her body went stiff. "How could
this happen...
85% 63%
She had planned for everything, but she had never considered that Shakira would use that exact design from the start. She felt herself grow colder, as if losing all her heat.
With great effort, Yvette turned back to see the Nelson family-Cody's eyes were wild with rage, practically glowing, making her legs turn to jelly. If the guards hadn't been holding her, she might have collapsed right there. Suddenly, Cody turned to Yvette, his face a mix of shock and anger. "Yvette, what the hell is going on here?"
He was on the edge. He hadn't thought the family would face such a scandal in front of the whole country. And not just any scandal, but one involving Shakira, who came from humble beginnings. It only made Cody feel even more humiliated. Yvette ette trembled, panic taking over as she stuttered, "N-no, it's not what it looks like..." Overwhelmed by fear, she squeezed her eyes shut and fainted. "Wow, the lead role just fainted."
"Someone call an ambulance. If they wait too long, she won't be able to keep up
"She call
called herself a genius. A genius to copy others?"
this act.' this act.
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th Cody
erupted into chaos, and reporters couldn't let such juicy gossip slip by. With Yvette unconscious, they turned their cameras on Cody and Finn. Nelson, were you aware that your daughter's plagiarism?"
s all part of some plan? Was the price just not right?"
If it weren't for Cody's effort to stay calm, he would've lashed out at that last dig.
As the mess unfolded, Shakira stepped back and distanced herself from the chaos as if it had nothing to do with her. With her arms crossed, she watched as Cody got bombarded with questions, his face turned red with embarrassment. A smug smile crept onto her face. "This feels "This feels pretty great! Yvette loves to show off, right? And doesn't the Nelson family think she's their ticket to glory? Then they should enjoy this special show for them!" and took and the Nelson family followed behind.
show was over. Shakira her hands and turned to leave.
As she exited the building, she lowered her head and sent a message to Sean. Will transfer all the expenses from today to you. With all the promotions, decorations, recruiting judges, and reporters, it would easily total around a hundred grand. Meanwhile, Sean was watching the the live broadcast upstairs and quickly replied: [I'm really happy, and today's on me.]
Shakira smiled, but just then, a voice cut through the air like ice. "What's there to be so happy about? Could you share with me?"
Shakira stiffened and looked up as she tucked her phone away discreetly. She flashed a sweet smile at Walter in the Maybach. "What a coincidence, Mr. Lopez. What brings you here?"
Walter ignored her and turned his gaze away, leaving her his handsome profile.
In the silence, Levi, seated in the front, signaled for her to get into the car.
Shakira rushed over, only to see there was no room in the front. She glanced back at the black car convoy, saying, "There's no space. I'll just head to the back..."
Walter cut in coldly, "Get in."
"But
"I won't say it twice."
Shakira hesitated, torn between facing the consequences now or later. In the end, she chose "later." She walked around to the other side and squeezed into the car, practically pressed against the door, tilting her body to fit. Walter shot her a condescending look, a hint of amusement flickering in his eyes as he ordered, "Drive."
As the car started to move, Shakira barely had a chance to settle in before it lurched forward, causing her to lean in and then back again. In the midst of that motion, she awkwardly tumbled into Walter's space. Her body brushed against his, and the warmth of his skin sent sparks through her.
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