Chapter 19
Chapter 19:
“The truth will out once we examine the evidence.” Janice’s eyes sent a silent message to Layne.
Layne quickly retrieved the USB drive and the patent document for inspection.
As Layne’s face turned solemn upon examining the document, a wave of tension swept through the onlookers.
“Mr. Morris, can you confirm whether it’s genuine?”
“Everyone, I ask for your patience. Let me verify the details first,” Layne announced, slipping the USB drive into the laptop to reveal the design to the waiting crowd. As the design materialized on the screen, a wave of astonishment swept through the room.
“This is identical to Delilah’s design.”
“Could it be possible that Delilah actually stole JE’s design?”
“No, that can’t be right. This must be a counterfeit. JE’s designs are usually much more sophisticated.”
Meanwhile, Delilah’s expression changed. Had she not thoroughly eradicated all evidence? Why then did an original still exist? Had Janice meticulously set this cunning trap from the very beginning, luring her straight into it? No, losing her composure over this wasn’t an option.
Taking a deep breath, she steadied her nerves. It was only an original copy—not enough to thoroughly implicate her.
“Janice, you’ve gone to elaborate lengths, fabricating this so-called original just to ostracize me from the Edwards family. If this vindicates you, then so be it…”
“Delilah, what nonsense are you talking about?” Laurie exclaimed, rushing to Delilah’s side to bolster her faltering spirit. “Regardless of her schemes, you remain my daughter. If anyone should be ousted from the Edwards family, it should be her, not you.”
“Mom, I regret coming here. I’ve spent countless nights perfecting this design, only for Janice to…”
Janice inhaled deeply, her gaze sweeping over the tear-streaked faces of the mother-daughter pair who had mastered the art of theatrical distress.
Their sorrowful display successfully swayed the audience, who began to view Janice with skepticism and disapproval.
“Everyone, do you think this design falls short of JE’s renowned standards?” Janice asked, her voice a calm anchor in the storm of murmurs.
“That’s correct,” Aiden chimed in, his posture relaxed and his eyes fixed on Janice with an air of casual critique. “JE is known for her meticulousness. While this design is impressive, it certainly doesn’t showcase her best work.”
“Mr. Green, I’m surprised you’re so well-acquainted with JE’s work.”
“Considering JE’s stature in the design industry, it’s only natural I keep informed,” Aiden replied, his tone a blend of earnest admiration and calculated flattery.
Janice remained unfazed by the insincerity in Aiden’s remarks. She was focused on steering the conversation forward.
“Indeed, JE is a stickler for perfection. It’s unthinkable that she would approve this design for public viewing. However…” Janice let her voice trail off, injecting a dramatic pause that sent a ripple of tension through Delilah and Laurie. “This is genuinely JE’s design. But it’s half-finished.”
Janice gave Layne a wink, who nodded in understanding and stepped forward with a document in hand.
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