Chapter 1001: See You in Court!

"Let me go!" Phantom screamed, her anger unrestrained.

"If you dare touch her again, try it," the bodyguard said, his voice cold and menacing. He then released Phantom's hand.

Phantom trembled, despite her efforts to remain composed. She glared at Besse with burning hatred, though she dared not strike her again.

Reporters swarmed, their questions rapid-fire. "Besse, were you here solely to threaten Phantom?" "Bringing a bodyguard was intimidation, wasn't it?" "Are you aware of the consequences of your unrepentant attitude?" "Do you realize Northfield might boycott Karami's work because of this?" "Do you understand the irreparable damage this could cause Karami?"

The questions were clearly aimed at defending Phantom.

Besse remained unfazed. "I didn't anticipate things escalating," she said calmly. "My intention was to settle this privately and compensate Phantom. But clearly, she's unwilling to let it go. Therefore, I'll accept her charges."

Phantom glared, powerless for now. She yearned to slap Besse's arrogant face.

"I came to confirm Miss Phantom's position," Besse said nonchalantly, maintaining an air of control despite the accusations. "Now that's clarified, let's proceed with your press conference."

Besse, seemingly in command despite the situation, departed. Phantom watched her go, her expression indignant.

A journalist called out, "Miss Phantom?"

Immediately, Phantom adopted a pitiful expression, tears welling. "I've never encountered such arrogance and unrepentance. It was my fault, yet she acted so defiantly. Legal action feels like the only recourse."

"We support your fight for justice," the reporter readily agreed.

Public opinion swung decisively in Phantom's favor. This wasn't simply a dispute between designers; it was perceived as a matter of national pride. The media, despite some reporters recognizing Phantom's hypocrisy, knew which side to champion.

Outside, Besse encountered a woman hurrying past, nearly colliding with her. A man quickly intervened, pulling the woman into his arms.

"Slow down," he said, his voice a blend of reprimand and indulgence.

"I can't!" Susan huffed. "Minerva Bird! I can't wait to beat her to a pulp! Besse?!"

Realizing her near-collision, Susan stared at Besse, who returned her surprised gaze.

"Why are you here?" Susan exclaimed.

"Let's go, crush her together!" Pulling Besse's hand, Susan headed back towards the press conference.

Besse paused. "What are you talking about?"

"Minerva Bird is Phantom," Manuel explained.

Understanding dawned on Besse. "No," she said, "I plan to meet Phantom in court."

"What?" Susan was taken aback.

"Since she insists on accusing me, I'll accompany her to the end!" Besse's eyes hardened. The planned compensation now seemed unnecessary; she felt no guilt towards someone with malicious intent. She wanted to see if Northfield's claim of amnesia would hold up as plagiarism.

"Yeah, she'll be publicly humiliated, but I don't want to wait! Look at her hypocrisy! That bitch is doomed!"

Besse chuckled, finding Susan's fervor both amusing and heartwarming. "No need to rush," she said.

"But—"

"We need to respect Besse's decision," Manuel interrupted. He wasn't necessarily siding with Besse, but hoped a longer stay in Northfield would allow her more time with Oscar, believing anything could happen.

Susan bristled at Manuel's shift in stance. "You agreed to public humiliation! I even prepared for it! Now you want me to wait? Are you kidding me?"

"Listen," Manuel pleaded, unable to explain his true motives to Besse.

"What if I don't?"

"Susan!" Manuel's voice sharpened.

"You're being mean!"

"I'm just—"

"I'm carrying your baby, and you're still mean?" Susan's voice broke.

Manuel felt helpless until Besse intervened. "I want to prove my innocence officially, so people stop gossiping about me bullying Phantom for financial gain. The law offers the fairest judgment."

Susan remained frustrated, still craving immediate confrontation. Her perfect plan lay in ruins.

"Listen," Manuel tried again, soothing Susan. "This is in Besse's best interest; we should respect her wishes."

Susan compromised, gritting her teeth. "Then I must be there for the trial!"