Chapter 343: How Is This Possible?

Hayley’s POV:

I noticed his serious expression and immediately asked, “What’s going on? Just tell me.”

Tanner paused for a moment, then asked, “Is your design draft ready? Can I see it?”

I found his request a bit odd but didn’t think much of it. I grabbed my design and handed it over.

“This draft looks good overall. If you need it done urgently, I can finish it today.”

But as Tanner reviewed my work, his face grew even more troubled.

“Is something wrong?” I asked.

Tanner looked up at me, his gaze intense. “Have you shown this design to anyone else?”

I thought for a second before replying, “I haven’t shown it to anyone except you. What’s going on? Why? What happened?”

Without answering, he took out his phone and handed it to me. “Look at this.”

I glanced at the screen and was shocked. “How can this be? This is my original design. How could there be something so similar to it?”

Tanner explained, “This is Nina Kerr’s design, a top national designer. It was revealed to the public last night. This is part of a series. What I just showed you is the main piece, but there are several others in the same style.”

Anger surged within me as I clenched my hands tightly. “I didn’t copy anyone’s work. This design is mine,” I said firmly, facing Tanner.

He sighed, looking helpless. “I believe you, Hayley, but my belief alone doesn’t change anything. Nina has already released her design. We can’t use yours now. We have to scrap it, Hayley. You’ll need to create a new design.”

I paused, feeling like something wasn’t right. When I returned to the studio yesterday afternoon, I had a strange feeling that someone had tampered with my drawings. And just hours later, those designs were already online. If that was just a coincidence, I wouldn’t buy it. There was no way that many coincidences could happen.

“This design is mine,” I said firmly, “I suspect that someone stole it.”

Tanner looked at me seriously, thinking for a moment before responding, “I believe you’re telling the truth, but…”

I shook my head. “No, I don’t have evidence yet, but the truth will come to light. I’ll find a way to prove I’m innocent. But before that, I hope you’ll trust me.”

Tanner nodded. “If that’s the case, I have a plan.”

We locked eyes, and he whispered his idea in my car.

After Tanner left, I stared at the designs in my hands, gripping them tightly. Frustration bubbled inside me, and I slammed my hand down on the table. Who could have done this? When I figured out who was responsible, I’d hand over my body to Hera and bite through his neck!

I put the designs away and grabbed a fresh sheet of paper to start with a new style.

A moment later, Teri walked in with a cup of coffee. “Ms. Carson, here’s your coffee.”

Without looking up, I kept drawing and casually said, “Just leave it there. I’ll have it when I’m done.”

“Yes, Ms. Carson,” Teri responded quickly. She set the coffee down and turned to leave.

I watched her for a second, then said, “Wait a minute.”