Chapter 58: A Stain

Things were just as hectic on the other side of the room. Abigail seized an opportunity to pass another piece of paper to Luna unnoticed. Luna's expression remained blank, but they shared an unspoken agreement—she slipped the paper into her pocket and covered it with her shirt. They edged closer, about to speak, when Joan's high-pitched voice cut through the air.

“I noticed you finished all your design drafts when I visited earlier, Luna. That’s impressive. I heard the theme stumped many other designers—they couldn’t come up with anything, even after a week.” Joan’s statement carried a veiled message everyone understood. However, Abigail noticed no malice in Joan’s expression; in fact, she seemed genuinely admiring.

The others fell silent, staring at Luna, who smiled. Everyone remembered Joan’s question from the previous night: Did Luna contact Sean about the theme? Was she working on the drafts beforehand? Abigail sensed the suspicion and hostility in the other designers’ gazes and froze. Joan was clearly implying the competition was rigged, the winner predetermined, and their efforts futile.

Since Luna was posing as Alana, she hadn't visited Sean's room and saw no reason to explain herself to Joan. Lowering her cutlery, Luna looked Joan in the eye. “You should provide evidence for your statements, Miss Palmer. Otherwise, you're defaming me.”

The theme, "Sweet Whispers," was straightforward; any experienced designer would know how to begin. Had they not switched identities, Abigail could have produced an initial draft within an hour; she just needed to focus.

Joan's eyes shone with awe. “You're one of my favorite designers! I visited Sean last night and accidentally stepped on a piece of paper by his shoe rack. I saw a mark on your draft today, and I thought it was the same paper… I was so disappointed,” Joan’s face fell. “I worried the designer I admired wasn’t talented. I only became a model because of your designs. I may lack your talent, but I look up to you, Miss Smith! I’d be shocked if you were a fraud!”

Luna stared at Abigail silently. Abigail remained unfazed. “When you met her today, the design crew had arrived. Logically, she wouldn't have had time to switch drafts, right?” Abigail asked.

Joan, recalling the morning, nodded. “That’s right.” Abigail chuckled. “Great. Since she had no time to change her draft, the aired draft will have the mark you mentioned, right, Miss Palmer? Won't the recordings reveal the truth?”

Joan blinked, carefully recalling the morning's events before speaking. “Fine. But since you claim this isn’t true, I have nothing to worry about. I have no ill intentions. I simply want a fair competition and to believe my idol is genuinely talented.” Her sincere tone endeared her to the crowd.

Abigail smirked. “You’re a blessing to the design industry, Miss Palmer. You voiced your concerns to protect everyone’s efforts and ensure a fair show. That’s fantastic.”

The cameraman eagerly filmed the drama. Joan turned to Luna, who had been silent. “I’m not overthinking this. I’m simply fond of you, Miss Smith. I only got concerned about the draft.”

Luna stood, facing Joan, a beam on her face. “I’m sorry. I’m not an idiot, and I can distinguish between genuine innocence and pretense. I'm fine if you're targeting me, but your words are damaging my reputation. I expect an apology once the program airs and the truth is out.” Luna didn’t care about others’ perceptions and wasn't afraid to offend Joan or her wealthy supporter. She scoffed and nonchalantly led Abigail from the restaurant.

Tension peaked. Whispers filled the room as everyone speculated about Luna’s next move. Joan fumed internally. Luna, who doesn't know her place! How dare she act righteous after trying to seduce Sean? However, she knew she couldn't show her anger on camera. Sabrina had warned her to control her emotions; losing her temper would fulfill Luna's wishes, revealing her facade.

A forced smile would look unnatural. Instead, she stood, gazing at the camera with a hurt expression. “I apologize if Miss Smith wants it. I just didn't want my impression of my idol ruined. We’re on the same team; I wouldn't want to harm her. I shouldn’t have addressed this publicly. Every design is precious to its creator.”

Joan bowed, but a grim look appeared as she turned away. I can't believe how Abigail's statements backfired. I didn't expect Luna to be so careless with her reputation. Criticizing me will only attract more haters.

Back in Luna's room, her expression darkened. “What do we do? I think there was a mark on my submitted draft.” She'd submitted it quickly to avoid the cameras capturing too much footage. We spoke so confidently, but we might have dug our own graves, she thought.

“What about the copy I gave you?” Abigail asked, trying to comfort Luna. Luna searched the drawer, then grimaced.

“We’re dead. The copy’s gone.”

Abigail was speechless. “Don’t worry. I’ll figure something out. Don’t panic. If all else fails, I’ll admit I’m Alana.” She left, needing to contact Sean; Alana's reputation would suffer, impacting L.Moon Studio.

Joan didn’t contact Sean. She let the suspicion simmer. Kevin smirked victoriously at the afternoon's aired clips. “Aren’t you going to talk to Mr. Sean about this morning?” Damon asked hesitantly.

Kevin smirked. “No need. Our job is to produce the show; these issues are for the netizens to debate. That’s how we get popular.” This show is getting more and more interesting, he thought.