Chapter 283

Thea stood on stage, enduring the hostile gazes of the audience. Duncan echoed, "I saw Emmalie type every word of her proposal. Yours is identical, Thea. Are you a plagiarist?"

Duncan was her brother, at least in the eyes of others, representing absolute fairness. Thea felt a chill.

Teri, defying her father, was the only one to speak up. "You can't say that! Aiden wanted to change the order. Maybe you used illegal means to steal business secrets and are trying to shift the blame. It wouldn't surprise me if you two colluded."

Teri and Thea had a long-standing connection. Awaiting her comeback with Sparkle Rocks, Teri stood unconditionally by Thea.

The unexpected alliance of enemies confused the onlookers.

"What happened?" Teri whispered to Thea.

Thea declared, "I didn't do it! I have a brain; I wouldn't plagiarize!" She raised her eyebrows confidently.

Emmalie, aware of her inferior looks, played the victim. "Thea, do you think I'd do that? I'm an internationally renowned pianist, supporting our brother's business. Why would I plagiarize?"

"Every file modification is recorded. Check it yourselves," she added, blinking back tears and biting her lip, expertly manipulating the audience. Her perfect image made her words feel like a condemnation.

Emmalie's success would bankrupt Sparkle Rocks. Thea had to fight back. Despite the mockery, she remained calm, a slight chuckle playing on her lips.

"Is that so? Does Dreamedia own a vast raw stone mine? I've seen you lie before. But let's be clear: your brain isn't equipped for business. If I were your brother, I'd be ashamed to be your partner. Given your relationship, you'll probably just tolerate each other's incompetence."

Thea's proposal aligned perfectly with her company's data. Emmalie's "evidence" was an exact copy, down to the decimal points—a blatant failure even at simple copying.

Emmalie's face drained of color.

Thea sneered, "Next time, log out of my account before using these tricks. It makes you look incredibly stupid." She displayed her phone, highlighting the "Emmoon" device in her login history. At the Rowland family home, Emmalie had stolen Thea's phone while she slept, obtaining the verification code. Her scheme was poorly executed, and easily exposed.

The evidence was undeniable.

Chapter 283 (continued)

"It's just a proposal. We're family. Why embarrass your sister?" Duncan intervened. Their intimate relationship, however, didn't extend to business. Thea sneered, "First, your pitiful sister framed me. I was forced to retaliate. Second, Mr. Rowland, I'm publicly declaring that I've severed ties with the Rowland family. Your affairs are no longer my concern."

The audience was impressed. They'd believed Thea's arrogance stemmed from Nicolas's support, but now saw her unwavering confidence came from her skill and professionalism.

Emmalie and Duncan fled. Despite the unexpected drama, the bidding concluded successfully.

Mason, obsequious, approached Thea. "Miss Rowland, I've always wanted a closer relationship with Mr. Hendrix." Aiden, less flexible than his father, was pulled back. Mason continued, "My son is… impulsive. But hard-working, eager to learn. I believe he could benefit greatly from your mentorship."

Mason's desperation was palpable. Thea, however, wasn't swayed. "Mr. Langstaff, our collaboration is set, but I want a different partner. Your daughter is far better suited for this project than your son." Returning Teri's loyalty, Thea chose her as a partner.

"My daughter…" Mason began, but Thea interrupted. "Mr. Langstaff, are you referring to the tax evasion case? The police cleared Miss Langstaff." Teri was studying abroad at the time. Mason valued appearances over his daughter; Teri was only bailed out to protect their reputation.

Teri, aware of this, walked past her father. "Miss Rowland, I look forward to working with you."

Humiliation burned Mason and Aiden's faces. Aiden couldn't surpass his sister, or Thea. Their actions had only earned him the board's disdain.